The Gunners are long-term admirers of the Spaniard and they have tried to land his signature in multiple transfer window s.

Zubimendi has resisted the prospect of leaving his hometown club, but his stance is expected to change during the summer.

Sociedad are currently 12 points adrift of the top four in La Liga and they are most likely to miss out on the Champions League.

This will pave the way for his departure and Arsenal are already working on personal terms through the player's representative.

They are willing to pay the Spaniard around £115,000-a-week which would double his current salary package at Sociedad.

Arsenal are also preparing to trigger the £52m release clause in his contract. Sociedad are reluctant to sell him for anything less.

Manchester United are also admirers of the 25-year-old, but Arsenal are favourites due to their huge progress under Mikel Arteta .

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