Arsenal will land long-term target Martin Zubimendi at the end of the season, Mail Sport can reveal.
The Real Sociedad star has been courted by Mikel Arteta for over 12 months and talks over a summer move are now at an advanced stage with sources indicating the deal is all but done.
Despite Arsenal's current need to sign forwards due to long-term injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus, the Emirates club have turned their attention to securing a deal for Zubimendi.
Arsenal would like the midfielder to join immediately, but Sociedad have insisted that Zubimendi stay until the end of the season.
Zubimendi decided to stay in Spain last summer despite varying degrees of interest from Arsenal and Liverpool, although it is understood the Gunners did not make a formal offer for the player during the previous window.
There has also been interest in Zubimendi from Manchester City following the season-ending injury suffered by Rodri.
Arsenal are set to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad for £51m, and the deal is all but done
Arsenal once again reinforces Mikel Arteta's engine room with a highly valued acquisition
The Spanish star will leave Real Sociedad less than a year after rejecting a move to Liverpool
But Arsenal's need for a new central midfielder ahead of next season has been accentuated with Jorginho and Thomas Partey out of contract at the end of the season and the club has accelerated its interest in Zubimendi.
No final decision has been made on potential contract offers to Jorginho or Partey.
Spanish star Zubimendi is understood to have a €60m (£51m) release clause which Arsenal will formally activate.
Zubimendi, 25, is considered one of the top midfield talents in European football and a key player for Spain.
The raid will represent a major blow for Arsenal and Arteta given the player's growing reputation and interest from top clubs.
The club will now focus on strengthening their forward options this month as they look to address a worrying injury list.
Arteta said: “We are actively looking in the market to improve the team.” It's been like that since day one.
'It would be naive not to do that. It is an opportunity to improve the squad. We are searching. We are trying. Let's see what we can do.”
Arsenal have struggled in front of goal lately but have decided to spend money on a midfielder.
The Gunners' attacking problems worsened this weekend with the injury of Gabriel Jesús
Euro 2024 winner Zubimendi (right) pictured alongside his Spanish teammates Mikel Merino (left) and Robin Le Normand (centre), who played for Sociedad before the start of last season.
Zubimendi's move comes less than six months after Arsenal signed fellow Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino from the same LaLiga team.
Both Merino, who now has 21 appearances for the Gunners in all competitions, and Zubimendi were part of Spain's triumphant Euro 2024 campaign.
Liverpool came close to signing Zubimendi for £52m last summer before a dramatic U-turn saw the 25-year-old midfielder remain at the LaLiga club.
The Reds were keen to bolster their squad with a number 6 ahead of Arne Slot's debut at Anfield, before Zubimendi ultimately decided to stay.
Slot, who continues to fight on all four fronts for titles this season, gave Ryan Gravenberch the opportunity to anchor Liverpool's midfield, a decision that has proven fruitful so far.
Speaking about his decision to stay at Sociedad last summer, Zubimendi told the Spanish press in August: “I didn't have any pressure from my close circle.
'My friends are clear that whatever they decide, it will be for the best. There is no pressure.
“Real Sociedad for me is my life, I think I've been there for half my life. Much of who I am is part of Real Sociedad, it's my life,” he added.
Ryan Gravenberch (left) has shined at #6 since Zubimendi declined to join the Slot team
Zubimendi primarily operates as a number 6, which could see Declan Rice progress further
Arsenal have made a habit of introducing new midfielders in recent summers, with former West Ham captain Declan Rice joining the Emirates in 2023 for £105m ahead of Merino's move in 2024.
Rice, who has established himself as a key first-team player under Arteta, may take on a more progressive role following Zubimendi's arrival, given the Spaniard primarily operates in the number 6 position.
The Gunners, who were knocked out of the FA Cup after a third round defeat on penalties against Manchester United at the weekend, will hope to bounce back with a win over Tottenham in Wednesday's big north London derby at the Emirates .
Arsenal are second in the Premier League heading into the clash with Ange Postecoglou's side, six points behind table leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand.