Arsenal followers suppose they know what Martin Zubimendi’s switch means for 2 gamers… with the Real Sociedad midfielder set for £51m summer season transfer

Arsenal fans think they have discovered what Martin Zubmendi’s arrival at the end of the season will mean. 

The Real Sociedad midfielder is set to join Mikel Arteta’s side in the summer with sources indicating a £51million deal is virtually completed.

The Gunners would like the midfielder to join immediately but Sociedad have insisted Zubimendi stays until the end of the season.

Following Mail Sport’s exclusive news, Arsenal fans took to social media to claim the Spainard’s arrival means Thomas Partey and Jorginho will depart. 

Both Partey and Jorginho’s have six months remaining on their respective contracts, with the latter linked with a move to Brazil this month. 

One fan wrote on X: ‘Huge huge news! With Partey and Jorginho leaving, a midfield reinforcement was necessary, and getting a player who can sit and allow Rice to roam around makes it even better, now to get a CAM like Wirtz/Xavi and the midfield rebuild will be complete.’ 

Arsenal are set to sign £51m Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, with the deal virtually done

The Spanish star will leave Real Sociedad less than a year after rejecting a move to Liverpool

Fans claim the Spainard’s arrival means Thomas Partey and Jorginho will both depart

A second said: ‘Wow!, totally unexpected, fantastic signing which surely means we part ways with Partey, Jorginho. Zubimendi would be a great signing, let’s stay focused on the forward signings aswell!’ 

A third added: ‘Partey times over + Jorginho contract expiry. Makes sense.’ 

No final decision has been made regarding potential contract offers to Jorginho or Partey. 

Zubimendi chose to stay in Spain last summer despite varying degrees of interest from Arsenal and Liverpool, though it is understood the Gunners didn’t make a formal offer for the player during the previous window.

There has also been interest in Zubimendi from Manchester City following the season ending injury suffered by Rodri.

Spain star Zubimendi is understood to have a €60million (£51m) release clause which Arsenal will formally trigger.

Zubimendi, 25, is viewed as one of the leading midfield talents in European football and is a key player for Spain.

The swoop will represent a major coup for Arsenal and Arteta given the player’s burgeoning reputation and interest from top clubs.

Liverpool came close to signing Zubimendi for £52m last summer before a dramatic U-turn saw the 25-year-old midfielder remain at the LaLiga club.

The Reds were keen to bolster their squad with a No 6 ahead of Arne Slot’s debut campaign at Anfield, before Zubimendi ultimately decided to stay. 

Slot, who is still fighting on all four fronts for silverware this term, instead gave Ryan Gravenberch the opportunity to anchor Liverpool’s midfield — a decision which has proved fruitful so far.