Arsenal are likely to see Martin Zubimendi say his goodbyes to Real Sociedad on Sunday - and his reaction could clarify his future.
The Gunners seem closer than ever to securing their first summer transfer with a verbal agreement already in place for Zubimendi to join Mikel Arteta's squad from La Liga. It is a breakthrough for Arsenal in the transfer saga regarding the Spanish midfielder with clubs like Liverpool, Barcelona and Bayern Munich also having been interested in him.
The decision which Arsenal still have to make is whether they want to pay the £51million release clause, avoiding any negotiation with Sociedad, or to pay the fee across instalments which will involve communication between the two parties with the Gunners likely hoping for a favourable payment package.
Before any official decision is made regarding Zubimendi's future, the 26-year-old will have to play his final home game for the club he has been with since the age of 12. They will face Girona at the Reale Arena on Sunday evening with his side needing a win to have any chance of securing European football next season.
Clarification could emerge in relation to the midfielders future based on how he reacts after the full-time whistle is blown. If the 26-year-old is brought to tears, it could confirm his exit.
Martin Zubimendi during a Real Sociedad game
Martin Zubimendi's reaction on Sunday could reveal his decision (Image: Europa Press via Getty Images)
football.london understands that Arsenal were confident in getting a deal over the line for Zubimendi, however, it isn't fully done yet with the fee still needing to be paid to Sociedad.
A key benefit that will come from Arsenal paying for the midfielder in instalments is the possibility of freeing up funds for Arteta to use for further investment. The Spanish manager, along with Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta, are also targeting two signings in attack, one in defence and an addition to their goalkeeping unit, as football.london understands.
Reports continue to link Arsenal with the likes of Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko are on Arsenal's list of potential strikers. The Newcastle forward will likely cost too much for the Gunners with a reported price tag of over £100m. Gyokeres and Sesko, on the other hand, are said to be worth £75m each, so it would be a significant investment from Arsenal.
But for now, all Gunners eyes will be on the Reale Arena this weekend — not just for Sociedad’s European hopes, but for what may be Zubimendi’s emotional send-off before possibly starting a new chapter in north London.
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