Arsenal close to first summer signing as £51M star agrees move, flying in to complete medical

Arsenal are close to making their first summer signing with Martin Zubimendi set to undergo a medical after the Gunners agreed to meet his £51 million release clause this week.

The Spain international has been a long-term target of Mikel Arteta’s and much of the groundwork ahead of the 26-year-old’s transfer has been in place since January, as the Gunners plan of replacing Jorginho and possibly Thomas Partey this summer

Despite the fact that Partey has had one of his best seasons for Arsenal, he is still plagued by injuries and Arteta wants to add someone like Zubimendi, who has the ability to play in a number of positions and very rarely gets injutred.

Jorginho has already said his goodbyes to the club and it looks like Zubimendi will be the Italians immediate replacement as he flies into London to complete his medical, Real Madrid were have reported to have shown late interest in the midfielder but he had already given his assurances to the Gunners who, according the BBC, are in the process of arranging a medical before the deal can be officially announced.

Jorginho’s farewell message to Arsenal fans: ‘Sometimes the season is more than just about football, it’s about moments,’ he said in a video message posted on Instagram.

‘People. Growth. It’s about feeling part of something bigger than yourself,’ Jorginho said, while speaking over the top of a montage of clips on Instagram.

‘When I arrived at Arsenal, I wasn’t joining a club I was stepping into a family. A team full of hunger. Passion. Purpose.

‘I gave everything I had, every day. Every match. Not just for the results, but for this shirt. For the fans.

‘Your support… it meant everything. Whether I was starting or on the bench, you made me feel valued. Loved.

‘That’s rare in football and I will never forget it.