Arsenal are expected to complete the signing of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad this summer.
The Gunners moved for the Spanish midfielder in January, making it clear to the La Liga club that they intend to trigger the player’s release clause in the summer window.
Jorginho has left Arsenal to join Flamengo on a free transfer, and the Sociedad man is expected to replace the Italian in Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Reports emerged last week suggesting Zubimendi is set to undergo his medical at Arsenal, with the deal now expected to be announced in early July due to accounting reasons.
Martin Zubimendi breaks silence on future amid Arsenal transfer speculation
Most reports seem to indicate that only formalities stand between Zubimendi completing his Arsenal move.
However, the 26-year-old has broken his silence about the speculation, and shocked some Gunners supporters with his coy comments on leaving Sociedad.
Asked about his future on Spanish national radio show Radiogaceta de los Deportes (via Noticias de Gipuzkoa), 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.”
While Zubimendi is unlikely to confirm his switch to Arsenal on Spanish national radio, claiming he doesn’t know how the summer will end is still something of a surprise to the Gunners faithful, given the reports that had suggested the deal was all but done.
Arsenal fans shocked by Martin Zubimendi’s comments
James Benge revealed in January that it would take ‘a remarkable turn of events’ for Zubimendi not to end up at Arsenal this summer.
The transfer is almost certainly secured, and Zubimendi is simply trying to respect his boyhood club by not publicly confirming anything before it’s been announced.
That said, his comments were enough to unsettle Arsenal fanbase.
One fan replied to the quotes by writing: “So what does this mean?”
Another asked: “So there is a possibility of canceling the move to Arsenal?”
Meanwhile, one more fan wrote: “This doesn’t sound good for Arsenal, leaving the door so open and it feels like he’s saying, hey Real Madrid, I am still available, come get me please…”
Zubimendi will almost certainly become an Arsenal player, although the lingering thought of a Real Madrid move at the eleventh hour will haunt the club’s fans until he’s pictured in a red and white shirt.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
