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Deal Completed: Arsenal has finally sealed the deal to sign a top-class winger who has more capabilities than Lamine Yamal

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Martin Zubimendi has arrived in England to complete his move to Arsenal, talkSPORT understands.

Zubimendi is set to sign a long-term deal at the Emirates Stadium after verbally agreeing personal terms in May.

The Gunners are expected to pay over the Spaniard’s £50million Real Sociedad release clause to bring the midfielder in.

He is now in London to make his transfer official, ending a long wait to head to the Premier League.

The news will be welcomed by Arsenal fans, who have been waiting for weeks for major transfer news while watching their rivals strengthen in the transfer window.

Arsenal’s talks to sign Zubimendi were already at an advanced stage all the way back in January.

They had been looking at the 26-year-old for over a year and had got very close to getting a deal done.

But the Gunners’ request that Zubimendi make his move to the club in the winter window was rebuffed by Sociedad

It meant that he remained in LaLiga until the end of the season, with his arrival set for the summer instead.

And now that plan is set to come to fruition.

Zubimendi was a major target for Liverpool last summer and they almost signed the Spain international.

However, he turned down a switch to Anfield to stay in Spain.

The Reds haven’t revisited their interest in Zubimendi, and that allowed Arsenal to swoop in and sign him.

He will become Mikel Arteta‘s first signing of the summer as he looks to bolster his squad for the new season.

Zubimendi will likely join Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard in midfield to create a strong trio.

His arrival could also hint at Thomas Partey‘s future being away from the Emirates, with his deal set to expire.

talkSPORT understands Partey has held talks with Barcelona regarding a free transfer.

The Gunners confirmed they were in talks to extend his deal this summer, but negotiations have so far not led to an agreement.

Zubimendi is sure to be a great addition for Arsenal, after spending his entire career and making over 250 appearances with Sociedad.

talkSPORT’s European football expert, Kevin Hatchard, said on the star last year: “Zubimendi has been very loyal to Sociedad.

“He’s an outstanding defensive midfielder, there’s no doubt about it, he’s a great passer of the ball, he wins the ball so often.

“He starts counter-attacks, and he would have fit in with Liverpool, but he will fit right in with Arsenal too.”

Hatchard added: “The £50m-plus fee may seem expensive but it’s not, it’s not easy to get players with that kind of composure and quality in that deep midfield position.”