Arsenal are pursuing a deal to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad next summer.
The move for the 25-year-old has been worked on for a considerable time.
What happened?
Martin Zubimendi was initially open to a move to Liverpool last summer but ultimately decided against it.
Liverpool believed they would sign Zubimendi, but he chose to stay with Real Sociedad.
Why it matters for Martin Zubimendi
Mikel Arteta is the key driver behind the pursuit of Martin Zubimendi.
Arsenal's interest in Zubimendi comes with central midfielders Thomas Partey and Jorginho having contracts that expire at the end of the season.
Zubimendi has made 210 appearances for Real Sociedad since his debut in 2019.
He has 15 caps for Spain, including four during the European Championship-winning campaign last summer.
What comes next?
Landing Martin Zubimendi would be a significant coup for Arsenal, especially as he was coveted by their title rivals Liverpool in the summer of 2024.
The signing could have interesting ramifications for Declan Rice, who has played much of his football for Arsenal as a box-to-box number eight.
Martin Zubimendi's arrival could cement Rice's position in a more advanced role.
The player's €60million release clause grants him a fair price, but it will take a significant chunk out of Arsenal's summer budget.
Zubimendi has been a long-term target for Arsenal, with the club knowing they would need to rejuvenate their midfield.
He has made 22 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring one goal.
Martin Zubimendi's technically gifted play has inspired his boyhood club to Champions League qualification in 2022-23.
He anchors a midfield with intuitive defensive positioning and expansive passing from deep.