Arsenal 'working on' plan for summer transfer and bumper contract for Declan Rice partner

Arsenal are preparing to fend off advances from fellow Premier League rivals Liverpool in order to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

The 25-year-old has long been admired by Mikel Arteta and it is thought the Gunners are once again preparing a summer pursuit in their hopes to land him this summer. Zubimendi, is under contract until 2027, but Arsenal want to make the creative midfielder their number one target later this year.

According to the latest reports from Football Transfers, Arsenal are 'working on' an offer for Zubimendi of a five-year contract with a weekly salary of £115,000. To put things into more clear perspective, the figure quoted is double what he makes now in Spain.

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Having helped La Real reach the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League, Sociedad are currently sixth in La Liga and some eight points behind Atletico Madrid in the all-important final European qualifying position. This could, of course, change should Spanish sides continue to perfrom in Europe, earning the nation an additional spot for next season.

The midfielder has continued to keep tight-lipped on his future, insisting he does not see himself anywhere else in the distant future, but the prospect of playing under Arteta in the Premier League, and partnering Declan Rice in midfield, could prove too much for Zubimendi to turn down.

“I have never planned to leave Real Sociedad, I always say that. I love life here, at home, I’m so happy here. The values of this club are the same as mine so I feel very good, I always said that I’m happy," the Sociedad