Andrea Berta's first transfer as Arsenal sporting director decided and it's not Martin Zubimendi

It looks as if Arsenal have made a breakthrough when it comes to making a summer move to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.

The expectation this summer was that the midfielder would complete a move to north London from Sociedad and join Mikel Merino, who made the same transfer last summer.

But, with a deal for the 26-year-old to sign for Liverpool last summer falling through at the last moment, there is still work to be done to ensure Arsenal get their man, having initially been linked with him before the Reds' interest in him picked up.

According to reports, Arsenal have reached a full agreement over personal terms to sign him this summer and that he should become Andrea Berta's first signing as Gunners sporting director.

But should Zubimendi be the first?

Arsenal do need midfield reinforcements, that is for sure, given Jorginho and Thomas Partey are out of contract this summer and look set to leave north London for pastures new.

However, the more pressing issue, is, as 99% of people, connected with Arsenal or not, up front.

The Gunners have been sorely lacking in the striker department this season due to injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus and have failed in the Premier League an ultimately the Champions League as a result of those absences and the lack of other viable options.

Signing a striker is the top priority, but there is no movement on a deal to sign anyone as yet.

It is early, of course, with the transfer window not even open yet. But Mikel Arteta will be keen for Berta to work his magic quickly and get a deal done before they go on their pre-season tour this summer, to give any potential new striker the chance to bed in with his new teammates.

Alexander Isak would be the dream signing, but much will depend on what happens with Newcastle United in their quest to qualify for the Champions League next season. The Magpies are currently fourth in the table and on course to finish in the top five.

Viktor Gyokeres has long been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium and will be a topic of hot conversation this summer after scoring 52 goals and laying on 12 assists in 49 games this season for Sporting CP.

Victor Osimhen is another who will be on the market, having spent this season on loan with Galatasaray, while Benjamin Sesko is a player who has long been linked with Arsenal too. He signed a new contract with RB Leipzig last summer, having been touted for a move to the Emirates Stadium, but he opened the door to a move this week when he said: "Right now, I'm 100% focused on RB Leipzig. Then we'll see what happens. It's open, anything can happen."

Zubimendi may well be the first signing, but he should not be, unless Arsenal can make a move for a striker happen soon after the midfielder arrives.

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