Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, according to reports.
The Gunners have made the 26-year-old their primary target in the summer transfer window and are reported to have met the Spain international's €60 million release clause.
A medical is said to be booked for the coming days.
Boss Mikel Arteta will hope Zubimendi’s reported arrival will kickstart a strong summer of recruitment in a bid to make the next step with his Arsenal side.
Arteta is facing questions after three successive seasons of finishing second in the Premier League, with the most recent campaign seen as a regression after failing to capitalise on Manchester City’s drop-off.
The Gunners are also thought to be in the market for a striker, having seen Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz suffer serious injuries in the second half of last season.
Brentford have completed the permanent signing of defender Michael Kayode after his loan spell at the club in 2024-25.
Kayode, 20, who arrived on a half-season loan from Fiorentina in January, has agreed a five-year deal, with Brentford having an option to extend his contract by another 12 months.
The Italy Under-21 international, who has made 12 Premier League appearances for the Bees, said: "I'm so excited to extend my stay at Brentford. I have felt so welcome from the first day I arrived at the club.
"I’ve wanted to play in the Premier League since I was a child and it’s been so good to do that here. I can’t wait for more next season and beyond."
The Bees have reportedly approached Liverpool over signing Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher (above) as a replacement for Mark Flekken.
Brentford are in negotiations to sell the Netherlands international to Bayer Leverkusen, who have appointed Erik ten Hag as manager.
Corkman Kelleher (26) has repeatedly expressed his desire to play first-team football after establishing himself as the Premier League champions' second-choice keeper behind Alisson and keeping clean sheets against the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester City.
Georgian international Giorgi Mamardashvili, who Liverpool signed from Valencia a year ago before loaning him back, will also arrive at Anfield this summer.
