Arsenal 'very close' to agreeing deal with dream signing dubbed 'the next Sergio Busquets'

Arsenal are reportedly very close to agreeing a deal to sign a player dubbed the next Sergio Busquets.

It has been a decent start to the 23/24 campaign for Arsenal after they suffered disappointment in their bid to win the Premier League last season.

Despite leading the way for the majority of the season, the Gunners were eventually overhauled by Pep Guardiola’s rampant Manchester City side.

At the start of this season, Arsenal brought in the likes of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and David Raya in order to add more quality to Mikel Arteta’s squad.

Currently, the Gunners sit third in the Premier League table, five points behind leaders Liverpool.

Looking ahead to the next summer transfer window, it has been reported that Arsenal are closing in on a long-term target.

According to Spanish news outlet AS, Real Sociedad star midfielder Martin Zubimendi is very close to accepting an offer to play for the North London club next season.

It was reported that Arsenal were interested in signing the Spaniard during this month’s transfer window but Zubimendi was reluctant to leave Sociedad due to their Champions League chase.

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The report claimed that Zubimendi has a release clause of €60 million, which Arsenal want to pay via a long-term plan.

Previously, AS have dubbed Zubimendi as the next Busquets, with Barcelona boss Xavi said to be interested in bringing him to the Catalan club.

It has been claimed that Xavi sees Zubimendi as the long-term replacement for Busquets, who left the club for Inter Miami back in the summer.

However, it is now believed that Barcelona are no longer in the race to sign the 24-year-old, paving the way for Arsenal to try and secure Zubimendi’s signature.

Arsenal will be back in Premier League action next Tuesday as they take on Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.