Martin Zubimendi delivers Arsenal transfer reality as new Victor Osimhen stance emerges

Arsenal ended the season on a high note after winning their final two games of the season to secure their place in next season’s Champions League.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has acknowledged that it has been a tough season for his team, given their recent high standards. While another runners-up spot in the Premier League was secured, Arteta’s team finished well short of champions Liverpool.

However, there is optimism at the Emirates Stadium that the summer transfer window could bring in the right players to end Arsenal’s top-flight title drought. Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi looks set to be one of those new faces. The Basque club are powerless to keep the player with a €60million (£51m) release clause in his contract.

Below are some of the latest Arsenal headlines as well as a view on each one…

Zubimendi stance

Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has rubbished rumours that he was set for a medical at Arsenal amid ongoing transfer speculation about his future.

When asked by Radiogaceta de los Deportes if he had any plans to stay at Real Sociedad this summer, which was then relayed by noticias de Gipzukoa, Zubimendi said: “Of course, there are options, but it’s true that it seems like it’s going to be a different, long summer, and I don’t know how it will end.

“I don’t think thinking about that right now is my priority. I’m here with the national team, which I think is already quite demanding, and if I have to say something, then I will.”

When asked specifically about a medical with the Gunners, the Spanish international said: “It’s an example of what surrounds football. Many times I wake up in the morning and read things that I didn’t know I had done.

“That was a clear example. It’s true that I don’t take it very seriously, but anyway, I uploaded those photos to emphasise a little that it wasn’t exactly the reality that was happening.”

Isaac Seelochan of football.london says:“It seems like only a matter of time before Arsenal wrap up this deal. The Gunners will have an excellent player on their hands when he joins them.”

Osimhen hope

John Obi Mikel hopes ‘there is a door open’ for Victor Osimhen at Arsenal this summer.

“‘I hope there is still a Premier League move for him this summer,” he told Metro.

“I think the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United, they still need a striker. I don’t think [Rasmus] Hojlund is the guy for Manchester United. He runs around and works hard but he is not the guy who will score goals, put them in the top four and win them trophies. So for me Manchester United might be the destination.

“I don’t want to see him in Saudi right now because he still has so much to offer in Europe. It would be a shame to see him go there. So maybe Arsenal, United, Juventus and PSG too [are his options]. Let’s see what happens.”

Isaac Seelochan of football.london says: “Osimhen would be a fantastic signing for Arsenal. The Gunners need an elite striker and Osimhen fits the bill.

“Add a left-sided forward and another quality midfielder to supplement Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard and Arsenal should be in a great position going into next season.”