Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi this summer, it has emerged.

Zubimendi was a prominent target for Liverpool last summer but ultimately decided to stay with his boyhood club. However, his position has eased this year, and Arsenal has been working since January to finalize a deal.

There is growing optimism at Arsenal that Zubimendi will be their first summer acquisition. Recent reports indicate that a verbal agreement has been reached to bring Zubimendi to the Emirates Stadium this summer.

Fabrizio Romano reports that a verbal contract agreement is in place, leaving Arsenal to activate Zubimendi’s €60m (£50.8m) release clause once the transfer window opens in June.

Should all go according to plan, Arsenal will make Zubimendi the first signing of Andrea Berta’s reign as sporting director, although it is acknowledged that much of the work done convincing the Spain international to join was done by his predecessors, Edu and Jason Ayto.

The trio have, at separate times, combined to convince Zubimendi to snub interest from Real Madrid, who wanted the 26-year-old as part of a bid to add more Spaniards to their squad this summer. Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen is also part of that plan.

There is thought to be some nerves at Arsenal over the possibility of Zubimendi changing his mind, having pulled out of a proposed move to Liverpool late on last summer, but the Gunners are not expected to face any further complications for this deal.

With Zubimendi’s arrival now all but finalised, Arsenal will turn their attention towards further new signings. Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia is a key target, while there could be a big-money move for a new striker.

Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres is believed to be Berta’s leading target on a shortlist which also includes RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and £150m-rated Alexander Isak of Newcastle United.