Real Sociedad chief issues Martin Zubimendi update as Arsenal finalise dream £52m transfer

The Real Sociedad president has confirmed that Martin Zubimendi's future will be resolved in June. The 26-year-old midfielder was heavily linked with a move to the Premier League last summer, .

Zubimendi, who sees his contract at the Reale Arena expire in June 2027, has featured 31 times in La Liga this season, scoring two goals and providing two assists. Despite the Spain international's best efforts, .

With the Basque outfit set to miss out on European football, in the summer. Real Sociedad may also part ways with Zubimendi, who's attracted interest from lots of top clubs in Europe.

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In fact, football.london understands that , who has a release clause worth €60m (£52.3m) in his contract. It's believed that the Gunners have been keeping tabs on Zubimendi for well over a year now, with interest dating back to the summer of 2023.

Arteta is said to be a big admirer of the Real Sociedad ace as he looks to bolster his options in the middle of the park. football.london understands that .

That said, the Real Sociedad president remained tight-lipped on the player's future in an interview with . As quoted by the , Jokin Aperribay said: "We'll see what happens.

"All I ask of him is one last effort to qualify for Europe and whatever happens, will happen in June. There's no point in speculating now about whether he'll be there. He's had several opportunities to leave and he'll make the decision he wants, because he'll have more options."

On if there was any chance of Zubimendi signing a new contract at Real Sociedad, Aperribay added: "I don't remember our last conversation. When I talk to him, it's more about goals, pushing...

"There's one month left, and we're playing against opponents who can beat us, but we can also beat them all. There are no easy or difficult matches. Martin is part of that.

"I don't know if it's difficult for him to stay. We haven't tried to raise the clause. Don't think contracts are negotiated like that. It's more a matter of willpower. If he wants to continue the conversation, it will last five minutes. I don't know if it's difficult."

Owen Hargreaves believes Arsenal should go for a midfielder with Premier League experience. Speaking on , the former Manchester United midfielder said: "Someone I like is Adam Wharton.

"He gets in your team [Arsenal]. If Mikel Arteta saw him he’d go, 'that’s my guy'. Say if Thomas Partey leaves, Wharton is a player. The thing with Adam that’s crazy is his vision. He’s two steps ahead.

"His reading of the game when you watch him… his vision and his touch is almost as good as anyone. I would like him at Manchester United, but I think that system is very niche and you need legs to play in that position under Ruben Amorim."