Arsenal is reportedly close to landing Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

The Spaniard was Liverpool's top transfer target last summer, with the Reds agreeing a deal with the La Liga side for Zubimendi, only for him to spurn their advances in order to stay in the Basque Country. However, just under half a year later, the 25-year-old looks potentially set for a move to the Premier League to join Liverpool's Premier League title rivals.

Initially reported by the Mail, Arsenal has been working on a deal to land Zubimendi since the summer, with Mikel Arteta keen on landing the Spanish midfielder. Zubimendi has a release fee clause of $61.9m (£51m/€60m), a figure Arsenal is willing to pay.

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The Mail add the deal is "virtually completed", with Zubimendi likely to join Arsenal next summer. There had been no indication Liverpool would go back in for Zubimendi this month, especially given the performances of Ryan Gravenberch in a deeper role this season.

Zubimendi turned Liverpool down last summer, and explained his decision for doing so to El Diario Vasco last month. "They were uncomfortable moments for me, because, as is normal, people talk a lot," Zubimendi said when asked about the talks surrounding his future last summer.

“But, anyway, you think about the pros and cons, thinking about it carefully, and you come to the conclusion that, well, for me the best thing was to stay at Real. Each one also looks at their personal progress a little. Because of who I am, the project, and the importance that I was going to have this year, I think that I still had steps to take at Real.

“Yes, there are many variables that come into the equation, but the main one was, selfishly thinking, what was best for me. It is true that then there are those thoughts, but I tell you that I tried to be, although it may seem untrue, as selfish as possible, thinking about myself first and foremost, the best thing was to stay.”

Zubimendi added: "It didn’t even occur to me to read anything. It’s just that, look, they were difficult days. I didn’t go out much, I didn’t talk much to people, so I isolated myself a little from everything.

“I didn’t want to be contaminated, but I wanted to not be influenced by… I wanted the decision to be mine alone. I don’t think about the last train or things like that. I mean, I don’t believe in those things.

"If you are good or really want those things, in the end, they will come to you, right? There is not just one option in this life. It depends on how you look at it. There’s quite a lot. I think I have years ahead of me. I am happy with the contract I have, so we haven’t talked about anything else.”

Liverpool.com says: "A lot happened to Zubimendi last summer, so much so you could understand his reasoning for not wanting to leave San Sebastian. He helped his country win the European Championships, only to return from the tournament with speculation whirling around his future. Zubimendi has spent his entire professional career with Real Sociedad and at that moment, may have not wanted to leave to join Liverpool. However, he may have now reconsidered. Circumstances change, and he might now be open to moving to the Emirates come next summer."