Arsenal expect Zubimendi to join this summer despite rumours of a Real Madrid hijack | OneFootball

Arsenal have been finalising plans to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi for the past few months’

However, Real Madrid have reportedly stepped up their pursuit to hijack the transfer from Arsenal.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein has poured cold water on that news, saying he expects Zubimendi to be playing in the Premier League next season.

“Arsenal are expecting Zubimendi to join in the summer,” Ornstein said.  “I don’t know if that means it is completely done, but they have been working on the basis that he will be coming in.

“A huge amount of work went into getting them to that point – while Edu was still in position as sporting director and subsequently when Jason Ayto took over on an interim basis.”

Arsenal fans will be thrilled that they are still on course to sign the midfielder as the Gunners prepare to lose Thomas Partey and Jorginho for free this summer.

With the Gunners set to lose two highly experienced players in the engine room, the club might push for another midfielder.

Incoming sporting director Andrea Berta reportedly wants Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes.

Ornstein also claimed that he does not see Arsenal signing Guimaraes as he would be expensive, especially after their massive outlay on Zubimendi.

The wise move for Arsenal would be to keep either Jorginho and Partey. The latter has played well this season, and the Gunners should try to keep him for one more year.

Partey is still at the top of his game and can contribute to the Gunners next season. Arsenal can let him leave at the end of next season and sign another midfielder to bolster their ranks.