Arsenal transfer news: £51m target could be 'next Dennis Bergkamp' as deal completion looms

Arsenal are edging closer to securing the signing of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who is set to be handed a dream welcome gift at the Emirates Stadium

Arsenal are edging closer to securing the signature of Real Sociedad's midfielder, Martin Zubimendi. The Spanish international has been heavily linked with a switch to the Emirates Stadium this summer as the Gunners aim to bolster their midfield.

Zubimendi has also caught the eye of Real Madrid, but all signs indicate that he'll be joining Mikel Arteta's squad ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season.

Rumours suggest that Arsenal are prepared to cough up a sum slightly north of the €60million (£51million) release clause in Zubimendi's contract. It's also been hinted that the deal might not be sealed until July, marking the start of a new financial year for European clubs, including the Gunners and Sociedad.

Should Arsenal manage to get the Zubimendi deal over the line, they'll have an important decision to make. As is often the case with fresh signings, clubs usually assign players a squad number upon arrival.

Sometimes, squad numbers are dished out later in the summer once more deals have been finalised, reports Football London. Currently, Arsenal have two ideal options for Zubimendi, should they secure the signing of the Spanish international. The Gunners currently have No.

Numbers 10 and 14 up for grabs for new recruits. The No. 10 shirt has been up for grabs since Emile Smith Rowe's move to Fulham last year - and Eddie Nketiah was the last lad to don the No.

14 before he signed with Crystal Palace a year ago. Both numbers have been sported by some of Arsenal's finest in Premier League history.

The No. 10 jersey has been graced by the likes of Dennis Bergkamp and Mesut Ozil; while Thierry Henry, Theo Walcott and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have all rocked the No. 14 in their time.

It comes as fellow Arsenal target Benjamin Sesko has given a sneak peek into his off-season activities as strong rumours of a transfer to Arsenal grow. Sesko, whose contract with RB Leipzig is set to run out in June 2029, made 33 appearances in the Bundesliga this season, netting 13 goals and setting up five.

Despite his best efforts, the German side missed out on securing a spot in any of UEFA's three club competitions. Since then, the Slovenian international shared a video of himself working up a sweat in what appeared to be a home gym, pedalling away on an exercise bike on Sunday morning.

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