Arsenal are in advanced talks to sign an “exciting” player after their widely reported pre-summer agreement for Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi, according to a report this week.
Arsenal seal Martin Zubimendi capture as first signing of Andrea Berta era
Earlier this week, respected transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano dropped the ‘here we go’ on Zubimendi’s move to Arsenal following months of negotiations, with Andrea Berta making a perfect start to his first summer as Gunners sporting director.
Arsenal ready to bid £63m for star after offering £135k-per-week contract
Andrea Berta is making serious moves after Martin Zubimendi.
ByEmilio Galantini
The Spain international, who replaced Rodri against England in the Euro 2024 final, has been starring as Sociedad’s golden boy in La Liga over the last few seasons, but he’s now set to wave goodbye to his boyhood club just one year after publicly rejecting a switch to Liverpool.
Arsenal will activate Zubimendi’s £51 million release clause, as per Romano again, with the midfielder “ready” to become Mikel Arteta’s latest new arrival.
With Thomas Partey’s new deal still up in the air with contract extension talks ongoing, and Jorginho on his way to Flamengo, Zubimendi’s arrival is a welcome boost for Arteta.
According to reports, another key item on Berta’s agenda is the signing of a second-choice goalkeeper, who will act as an understudy to David Raya (GiveMeSport).
Neto is set to return to Bournemouth at the end of his loan spell, meaning Arsenal need a more permanent alternative to Raya for the long-term.
24-year-old Espanyol shot-stopper Joan Garcia is making noise in La Liga as a truly “exciting” keeper with a bright future, and Arsenal were chasing a move for him last summer only to come up short.
Garcia agreed personal terms with Arsenal in 2024, but eventually opted to remain at Espanyol for another season. The Spaniard’s contract includes an intriguing release clause set at £21 million, which will rise to £25 million during the final 15 days of the summer window, or if Garcia is called up to the Spain squad.
Arsenal in advanced talks to sign Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia
That is according to Diario AS, who also state that the north Londoners are currently favourites to sign Garcia ahead of every other suitor, including La Liga title favourites Barcelona.
What’s more, Arsenal are also in advanced talks to sign Garcia, who could well become their second arrival of 2025 after Zubimendi.
A host of other top clubs – including Tottenham, Manchester City, Manchester United, Bournemouth, Bayer Leverkusen, Paris Saint Germain, Real Madrid, Aston Villa and Atlético Madrid – have all been linked with Garcia as well.
However, as things stand, it would seem Arteta’s side are the most serious contenders for a player who Espanyol boss, Manolo Gonzalez, said is just as important to them as Lionel Messi was to Barca.
“Joan Garcia will be a world reference, without a doubt,” said Gonzalez.
“Hopefully, because he deserves it, by level and by person. This is the same as when Barcelona had Messi. There was a stuck game and he solved it.”