La Liga star very close to joining Arsenal?

Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has reportedly given the green light to join Arsenal this summer.

The Spaniard was a top target for manager Mikel Arteta in the last transfer window but he declined to leave Sociedad.

Arsenal were ready to trigger the €60 million release clause in his contract but Zubimendi preferred to stay for the season.

With Sociedad right in the mix for Champions League football, the 24-year-old did not want to ruin their top-four prospects.

It is now reported by AS that Zubimendi will leave Sociedad in the summer and he is widely expected to move to Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta and Zubimendi share the same agent and reports claim that he is very close to making the switch to the Emirates.

Barcelona have also been linked with his services but a deal is unlikely due to their ongoing Financial Fair Play problems.

The club are working to find a solution with the Spanish La Liga but they are unlikely to be allowed to spend big this summer.