Arsenal news: Gunners close in on £52m summer transfer as Mikel Arteta ally called out

Arsenal were able to prolong the Premier League title race by avoiding defeat against - but still on Wednesday night. The Gunners have struggled for consistency throughout the season and were held at the Emirates.

They've been able to delay 's title party, but there heavily tipped to seal the deal by the end of the week. Mikel Arteta's side have looked like different outfits domestically and in Europe with the Champions League their final hope of silverware.

Having in the quarter-finals they're now preparing to take on in the last four. European success would make up for their domestic shortcomings with the north Londoners poised to come second in the league for a third straight year.

For all Arsenal's progress they're yet to have the trophies to show for it and they're poised to act in the summer with a striker very much on their radar. Here's the latest news coming out of the Emirates.

Gunners confident on Zubimendi deal

Arsenal remain confident they can secure a deal for Martin Zubimendi. The Gunners are known to have a long-term interest in the Real Sociedad midfielder. Zubimendi was on their radar last summer but he remained with the outfit. The north Londoners would need to trigger his £52million release clause.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

That is despite also circling whilst were heavily interested last summer. The 26-year-old has been a standout in San Sebastian and helped Spain win the Euros. believe he can further bolster their midfield and new sporting director Andrea Berta is on the same page as Arteta regarding his qualities, reports ESPN.

Arsenal have continued to bolster their midfield ranks in recent seasons with the club-record addition of in 2023 among their most significant buys. Zubimendi would compliment the Englishman and Martin Odegaard in the middle of the pitch.

Arteta's battlecry

Arteta has attempted to rev up the Arsenal fanbase ahead of their semi-finals as he told them to “bring your boots and your shinpads". Attention has turned to Tuesday night’s first-leg against Paris Saint-Germain. The Emirates was forced to watch another draw on Monday night.

The Eagles left with a point as the team's inconsistencies in the league continued. In Europe though they have put their best foot forward and the atmosphere created during the 3-0 success over Real Madrid in the last eight was pivotal with the Gunners boss looking for a repeat.

He said: “The message to fans is that they have to play every ball with us, so bring your boots, your shinpads, your shorts, your T-shirts, and let's play on Tuesday night all together here to have one of the most amazing nights at the Emirates.”

Carragher calls out set-piece coach

has fired a dig at Arsenal coach Nicolas Jover after Palace exposed the Gunners' set piece frailties. The Eagles scored their opening goal at the Emirates courtesy of Eberechi Eze's smart volley from a corner routine.

Jover has been given huge praise this term and has been credited with masterminding several of the team's set piece goals. The former Brentford and coach even had a mural made for him by supporters earlier this season, but Carragher has criticised their ability to keep them out.

"In terms of percentage, only Man United are worse than Arsenal set piece-wise this season," he said. "So when we make a big deal about the set piece coach... he's absolutely out of this in terms of going forward, but they've got a big problem defensively."

and receive your daily dose of content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our