Mikel Arteta risks spoiling £52m Arsenal transfer plan to sign perfect Thomas Partey replacement

Mikel Arteta has thrown Martin Zubimendi a curveball ahead of the summer transfer window. The Real Sociedad ace has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium for a while now as Arsenal look to bolster their midfield.

Zubimendi, who sees his contract at the Reale Arena expire in June 2027, featured 36 times in La Liga this season, scoring two goals and providing two assists. Despite his efforts, Real Sociedad failed to secure qualification to either of UEFA’s three competitions.

The Basque outfit missed out on European football, but Zubimendi still managed to impress. football.london understands that Arsenal are long admirers of the 26-year-old playmaker, who has a release clause worth €60m (£52.3m) in his contract.

It’s believed that the Gunners have been keeping tabs on Zubimendi, with interest dating back to the summer of 2023. football.london understands that Arsenal are under the assumption that they’ll be successful in the race to sign the Spain international.

Arteta is said to be a big admirer, but his latest comments suggest that he’s not ready to put all his eggs in one basket. With Thomas Partey set to leave the Emirates Stadium when his contract expires next month, Zubimendi was painted as the perfect replacement.

However, the Arsenal boss seems keen to hold onto the Ghanaian. Speaking to reporters ahead of the Gunners’ clash against Southampton, Arteta was asked if he wants Partey to stay.

Surprisingly, the Spaniard replied: “Yes. I think consistency-wise, it’s been his best season. The way he’s played, performed, his availability, has been exceptional, and he’s a really important player for us.”

Zubimendi, who was linked to Liverpool last summer, might feel a certain way about what Arteta said. Earlier this month, the Real Sociedad president announced that the midfielder’s future will be resolved next month.

Speaking on Radio Marca Donostia, Jokin Aperribay said: “We’ll see what happens. All I ask of him is one last effort to qualify for Europe, and whatever happens, will happen in June.

“There’s no point in speculating now about whether he’ll be there. He’s had several opportunities to leave, and he’ll make the decision he wants, because he’ll have more options.

“I don’t remember our last conversation [with Zubimendi]. When I talk to him, it’s more about goals, pushing… There’s one month left, and we’re playing against opponents who can beat us, but we can also beat them all.

“I don’t know if it’s difficult for him to stay. We haven’t tried to raise the clause. Don’t think contracts are negotiated like that. It’s more a matter of willpower. If he wants to continue the conversation, it will last five minutes. I don’t know if it’s difficult.”

Then, in an emotional interview with official club media, Zubimendi appeared to soft-launch his departure. As quoted by TBR Football, he said: “We get used to so many good things happening to me.

“But sometimes you have to slow down, look back and realise everything you’re experiencing and everything you’ve achieved. Luckily, I’ve had the chance to experience many good things with Real Sociedad, many dreams come true. Europa League, Champions League, a title. I couldn’t ask for more.”