Zubimendi was one of Arsenal’s original targets but he did not want to leave Real Sociedad, whereas Merino, three years his senior, was open to it. There was a sense that the latter’s arrival had answered the Rice positional dilemma and he would simply revert to his deeper role.

Arsenal are reportedly close to finalising an agreement to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi this summer. The Spain international was heavily linked with a move to Liverpool last year, with Arne Slot’s side determined to bolster their midfield core with the addition of the 25-year-old.