Arsenal are on course to confirm three summer transfers in the next ten days following extensive talks. The Gunners have yet to announce any new arrivals but that is expected to change in July starting with Martin Zubimendi joining from Real Sociedad.
Mikel Arteta and Co. have been working on that specific deal for several months with the finishing touches now having been applied. At the other end of the spectrum, Kepa Arrizabalaga looks set to join as the back-up to David Raya with Arsenal pivoting swiftly to the Chelsea man after losing out on Joan Garcia to Barcelona.
Elsewhere, negotiations over a new contract for Thomas Partey appear to have hit a stumbling block. The Ghana international leaving as a free agent would almost certainly result in a replacement being signed and a new name has emerged in the last 12 hours.
With all of that being said, football.london has provided a fresh perspective on the latest Arsenal transfer news and rumours.
Zubimendi contract signed
Any fears over a Real Madrid hijack will surely now be gone as it was widely-reported that Zubimendi was in London to meet Arsenal chiefs on Friday.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, via YouTube, later specified that Zubimendi had also signed his contract. Rather than paying his £51 million release clause, £55m (€65m) will be heading to Sociedad across instalments.
football.london says: Though an announcement is yet to be made, Zubimendi can officially now be considered an Arsenal player.
The Gunners have negotiated this deal perfectly with the structure of it allowing for funds to be used elsewhere and the timing of it meaning it could be wrapped up with relative ease. While it is hardly a marquee signing, it is a clever one and one that is also needed.
With the man himself actually meeting his new employers, making his arrival official is surely now the only thing left to do.
Norgaard as possible Partey replacement
With it now looking more likely that Partey leaves Arsenal over penning fresh terms, another midfield signing in addition to Zubimendi has to be looked at.
Given the role that incoming will likely play, it is better off looking for potentially cheaper deals and that is where the latest link has come from. Brentford captain Christian Norgaard could soon become a serious option for a number of reasons, the Mirror have claimed.
Firstly, he has just two years remaining on his current contract and a new era for the Bees is quite clearly underway which may make it the perfect time for him to also seek a new challenge.
football.london says: Signing a Premier League proven midfielder without spending a huge amount is a pretty tempting route to take for Arsenal.
Given Arteta would have preferred to have Partey in his squad for next season, it is unlikely they will majorly change transfer plans and as such, a bargain deal or loan is more likely to be explored.
Norgaard would be a solid squad option for Arteta but it does remain to be seen if he would be open to that given his significant role at Brentford and also if they would be willing to allow his exit at a price favourable for Arsenal.
