Club now expect £51m star to join Arsenal this summer as Andrea Berta’s first signing

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Andrea Berta is closing in on his first signing as Arsenal’s sporting director in a move that could transform the squad at Mikel Arteta’s disposal.

It comes as the Gunners are expecting a busy summer transfer window, which is shaping up to include plenty of signings and exits.

Arsenal will be keen to add a striker as their top priority, having lacked a truly clinical option at centre-forward for a few years.

Beyond that, Andrea Berta will be tasked with looking for another forward option, while a midfield rebuild is on the cards.

With Thomas Partey and Jorginho expected to leave Arsenal at the end of their contracts this summer, the focus on that rebuild has already begun.

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Real Sociedad now expect Martin Zubimendi to join Arsenal this summer

With the midfield rebuild set to take another step forward in the months ahead, Arsenal have been linked with Martin Zubimendi as a possible option to join the central ranks.

Having impressed at Real Sociedad, the Spaniard has been rumoured to be moving to the Premier League over the past year.

The Gunners appear to have stolen a march in the case of Martin Zubimendi, despite there being plenty of competition.

Real Madrid have been linked with Zubimendi, but the direction of travel appears to be pointing towards the Emirates Stadium.

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According to Marca, Real Sociedad now expect Zubimendi to join Arsenal this summer and vice versa, and only two things could stop it.

The first is that the Arsenal owners don’t pay the £51million release clause, while the second is if Real Madrid make a concerted push to sway the player.

As it stands, though, it seems much more likely that the Spaniard will join the Gunners and become Berta’s first signing at the club.

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Martin Zubimendi to Arsenal could help unlock Martin Odegaard

The arrival of Zubimendi could help take Arsenal to the next level when it comes to their ability in possession of the ball.

The Gunners have often looked at ways to control tempo and sustain attacks from the central areas, but that rarely comes from Declan Rice and Thomas Partey.

Instead, the metronome of the team is often in the shape of Martin Odegaard, who is otherwise taking charge of the ball and keeping the match ticking over.

While that has helped the team keep opponents camped in their low blocks, it hasn’t helped him get into positions to create chances with risk and reward.

The arrival of Zubimendi, a player who is used to being that metronome in build-up, could take that responsibility away and open up the opportunity for Odegaard to become that creative force many know he can be.