Arsenal have signed midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in a £51m deal.
It is understood the pre-agreement proved important for Arsenal after Real Madrid expressed a strong interest in the 26-year-old last month following Xabi Alonso's arrival as manager.
Liverpool had also been interested in Zubimendi last summer but he turned down a move to Anfield to stay at Real Sociedad after helping Spain win Euro 2024.
Arsenal worked on the Zubimendi deal last summer and had identified him as their No 1 target when the club knew midfielders Jorginho and Thomas Partey were entering the final year of their contracts, with both players subsequently leaving this summer.
It is understood that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta played a key role in convincing Zubimendi to wait another year and join the club, with Zubimendi's former Real Sociedad team-mate Mikel Merino also playing a role in his move to north London after he joined the Gunners for £31.6m in August 2024.
Arsenal approached the LaLiga side about signing both players last summer but Sociedad did not want to lose the midfield pair in the same window.
It is understood Arsenal presented a solution with Merino joining in 2024 and Zubimendi joining in 2025.
Zubimendi becomes Arsenal's second signing this summer, joining fellow Spaniard Kepa Arrizabalaga at the club following his £5m move from Chelsea.
Brentford captain Christian Norgaard could follow Zubimendi and Kepa through the Arsenal door after a £15m deal was agreed last month to sign the Bees midfielder, while Chelsea are expecting an offer from the Gunners for Noni Madueke.
Skysports