Arsenal transfer news: Martin Zubimendi saga nears conclusion as forgotten star seals exit

Martin Zubimendi looks set to be Arsenal’s first signing of the summer transfer window but there are a number of other deals the Gunners are hoping to complete to ensure they remain in the title race next season

Arsenal are set to be one of the major players in the transfer window this summer, though fans are still awaiting the club’s first signing as they bid to put a difficult 2024-25 season behind them.

The Gunners are hard at work trying to lure a new striker to the Emirates after being left without a recognised No 9 for much of the Premier League season. Mikel Arteta’s side still managed to finish second but ended up 10 points behind Liverpool and also crashed out of the Champions League in the semi-finals.

Arteta will need quality reinforcements if he wants to challenge Liverpool for the title again, while the pressure is on because rivals Chelsea and Manchester City have already strengthened.

Arsenal are hoping to strengthen in every position if they can but a midfielder and striker are the priorities, with more room in the wage budget after sealing the exits of Jorginho and Kieran Tierney.

Mirror Football has taken a look through all the biggest Arsenal transfer news and rumours.

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How Arsenal clinched Zubimendi deal

Without doubt, Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi is Arsenal’s primary focus as things stand, but fans have been sweating on the deal after the player’s comments saying he was unsure about his future.

There have also been reports from Spanish outlet Marca that Real Madrid are ready to swoop for Zubimendi and hijack Arsenal’s deal.

But despite the speculation, it’s understood Arsenal have now struck a deal to sign Zubimendi by agreeing to pay £54m for his signature – which is £4m more than his release clause.

According to the Athletic, Sociedad told Arsenal they wanted the deal to go through in July due to accounting reasons, while the Gunners have been negotiating over the structure of the deal – hoping to pay in instalments – which has added to the delay.

As a compromise, Arsenal have now agreed to pay over the odds for Zubimendi in order to spread the cost over a couple of years.

It’s understood Real Madrid’s interest was not a reason for delaying the deal and Arsenal are now happy with the outcome.

Saliba contract could complicate Guehi move

Another position Arsenal are keen to bolster is their backline after suffering a number of injuries in that position last season.

Gabriel, Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori all struggled with fitness issues at various points and Arteta will need consistency at the back if his Arsenal side is to mount a serious challenge for silverware next season.

While he will be eager to sign a new centre-back, the Spaniard is also desperate to keep hold of key defender William Saliba amid speculation he could join Real Madrid.

The Gunners are hoping to tie Saliba down to a new contract, but that in itself could complicate any move to sign Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi.

Arsenal walked away from a deal for Guehi last summer after reportedly being quoted £70m, but he now has just one year remaining on his contract.

There could be difficulties attempting to lure Guehi to the Emirates, however, when the England international knows that Arsenal have two formidable defenders in Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes – which could mean a struggle for game time.

The Athletic reports that Arteta is eager to add another centre-back to his ranks but with Guehi having interest from the likes of Tottenham, Newcastle and ex-club Chelsea, he may feel a move elsewhere would be best for his career.

Marquinhos finally leaves Arsenal

Arsenal have confirmed their latest outgoing deal with Brazilian forward Marquinhos moving permanently to Cruzeiro after being loaned out for a number of seasons.

The 22-year-old joined Arsenal from Brazilian outfit Sao Paulo in 2022 and hopes were high for the youngster – but he failed to make an impact at the Emirates.

Marquinhos’ first and only season playing for the club came in the 2022-23 campaign, where he featured six times, and has since been loaned out to Norwich, Nantes, Fluminense and Cruizeiro.

Cruzeiro have now opted to make that move permanent, bringing an end to his difficult spell.

Arsenal had originally signed Marquinhos for around £3m after finding a loophole in his contract, angering Wolves – who had struck an agreement to bring him to Molineux.

There were fears Wolves could take legal action against the player, Arsenal and Sao Paulo before the Molineux outfit opted not to go ahead with it.

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