Real Sociedad may have just confirmed Martin Zubimendi’s summer exit amid Arsenal transfer links

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Arsenal will be in the market for a new central midfielder in the summer, and Martin Zubimendi appears the most likely addition in this department.

Thomas Partey may ultimately sign a new contract, but Jorginho is expected to depart the Emirates at the end of the season when his deal expires.

This means that at least one addition is necessary, while the Gunners may also look to acquire a creative midfielder who can provide cover and competition for Martin Odegaard.

Journalist David Ornstein believes Zubimendi’s move to Arsenal is a ‘done deal’, and Real Sociedad’s latest marketing ploy may have just confirmed this.

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Real Sociedad leave Martin Zubimendi out of pre-season tour branding

Zubimendi has a release clause worth £51 million, meaning Arsenal shouldn’t have to engage in negotiations with Sociedad if they choose to activate the clause.

This essentially makes the Basque club powerless in the saga, and they may now be resigned to losing their talented deep-lying playmaker.

The La Liga side have left Zubimendi out of all promotional images for their pre-season tour in Japan.

Usually a staple of their team and their branding, the omission almost certainly confirms that the 26-year-old won’t be plying his trade in Northern Spain next season.

As long as Arsenal can or already have agreed personal terms with Zubimendi, and he doesn’t opt out at the eleventh hour like he did with his prospective Liverpool transfer last summer, then the deal should materialise.

Real Madrid could be the main threat to Arsenal signing Martin Zubimendi

Aside from these potential pitfalls regarding the player’s desire to come to N5, there is of course the possibility that another suitor trumps Arsenal in the race for Zubimendi.

Liverpool were interested last summer, although there is little indication that the Merseysiders will return this time around.

Meanwhile, Barcelona have been cited as a potential suitor for the player in the past, although the Catalan giants’ finances could hinder them.

Hansi Flick also already has the likes of Frenkie de Jong and Pedri at his disposal.

However, Real Madrid are interested in Zubimendi, and Los Blancos could present a real issue for Arsenal.

The allure of the bright lights of the Bernabeu could attract Zubimendi to Madrid, and there’d be little Arsenal can do to stop the Spaniard.