Martin Zubimendi has been the subject of intense transfer speculation after his impressive performances for Real Sociedad in La Liga and for Spain.
Liverpool had tried to sign the Spanish international, but failed in their pursuit last summer.
The Daily Mail writes that Zubimendi is on the verge of finalizing a deal to join Arsenal, which will formally trigger the player’s €60 million release clause.
The midfielder has been courted by manager Mikel Arteta for over 12 months, and talks over a summer move are now at an “almost final”.
The Gunners want him to join immediately, but Sociedad have insisted that the player stay until the end of the season.
Arnsenal’s pursuit of Zubimendi “accelerated” with Jorginho and Thomas Partey both out of contract at the end of the season.
Manchester City had also expressed interest in Zubimendi after the season-ending injury Rodri suffered.
Zubimendi was asked about his decision to reject Liverpool in October last year.
Asked if he regretted not coming to Liverpool, he replied: “Of course I don’t regret it, I can’t think about it after four or five games at the start of the season. I made my decision from within.
“I thought it was the best thing to do, the results don’t affect me. I see the potential in this team, you just have to watch us train and I’m excited to have a good season.”
Zubimendi graduated from Sociedad’s youth academy before fighting his way into the first team.
He has made 209 appearances in all competitions for the club and is regarded as one of the leading midfield talents in European football.
