In a surprising turn of events that could significantly impact Arsenal’s summer transfer activity, Real Sociedad’s Martín Zubimendi has reportedly issued a firm condition to the North London club regarding his potential move.
According to insiders close to the ongoing talks, the Spanish midfielder has made it explicitly clear that he will not join Arsenal unless a specific player within the current squad is shown the exit door.
Zubimendi, who has long been admired by Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta for his technical ability, vision, and midfield control, has apparently drawn a line in the sand.
Despite initial speculation, it’s not Thomas Partey who is at the center of this controversy — a player with whom Zubimendi was thought to have overlapping responsibilities in midfield.
The identity of the squad member that the 25-year-old refuses to work alongside remains a mystery, but the issue has sparked heated speculation and discussion among fans and pundits alike.
The situation has put Arsenal in a challenging position.
The club has been targeting Zubimendi for some time, viewing him as a vital piece in their midfield overhaul.
With veteran midfielders like Jorginho nearing the twilight of their careers and Partey’s future uncertain, the Spanish international is seen as a long-term solution who can help dictate play from deep and provide composure under pressure — traits that Arteta values highly in his tactical setup.
Reactions from the fanbase have been swift and emphatic.
Social media has been abuzz with strong opinions, with many fans demanding that the club take decisive action to secure the signing.
Comments such as “No player should hold the club to ransom” and “If Zubimendi is the future, we should build around him” have echoed the growing consensus among supporters.
There is a clear desire for the club to prioritize the deal, even if it means making a difficult decision about a current squad member.
Despite no official word from Arsenal or Zubimendi’s camp, the pressure is mounting.
With European giants like Bayern Munich and Juventus reportedly circling the midfielder, any hesitation from Arsenal could open the door for rival clubs to swoop in.
The Gunners are believed to be evaluating their options carefully as they weigh the cost of letting go of a squad player against the benefit of securing one of Europe’s top midfield talents.
Ultimately, the decision now lies with Arteta and the Arsenal board.
Will they take the bold step to reshape the squad for the future, or will they risk missing out on a key transfer target?
The coming days could be pivotal, and fans will be eagerly waiting to see how this high-stakes standoff unfolds.
