Arsenal's £51million deal to sign Martin Zubimendi hasn't been completed yet, Marcus Rashford is finding it difficult to quit Manchester United and Liverpool's transfer plans have changed

Arsenal have moved ahead of Liverpool in the race to sign Martin Zubimendi after entering into advanced talks with Real Sociedad to land the midfielder, sources have told ESPN.

Further down the pitch, Arsenal need to decide on a No 6 for the future. Thomas Partey, who turns 32 in the summer, and Jorginho, 33, are both into the final six months of their contracts. While Declan Rice can play as a No 6, his talents are better utilised as the left No 8 in Mikel Arteta’s system.

The midfielder has a release-clause in his current contract worth €60million (£51m), which Arsenal are believed to be ready to meet. Arsenal need to invest in their midfield this summer as both Jorginho and Thomas Partey will be out of contract.

Martin Zubimendi rejected a move to Liverpool during the summer transfer window and have also reportedly turned down Barcelona and Bayern Munich in the past

Liverpool and Arsenal are rumoured to be circling new arrivals as they battle it out in the Premier League, and Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo appears to be in the Gunners’ sights after injury to Bukayo Saka.