“There’s only one Arsenal player I refuse to play alongside if I join. Either they sell him, or I’m calling off the transfer,” Martín Zubimendi has reportedly warned. The Spanish midfielder is prepared to scrap his move to Arsenal this summer if the unnamed player remains at the club — and it’s not Thomas Partey. Arsenal fans are urging Arteta to act fast before the club loses out on this midfield gem
In a dramatic twist to Arsenal’s summer transfer plans, Real Sociedad midfielder Martín Zubimendi has reportedly delivered a clear ultimatum to the North London club: either they part ways with a specific player currently in the squad, or his proposed move to the Emirates is off.
According to sources close to the negotiation table, the Spanish international — long admired by Mikel Arteta — has made it known he’s unwilling to share a dressing room with the unnamed player. Curiously, it’s not Thomas Partey, with whom Zubimendi was speculated to have overlapping roles.
The identity of the player causing tension remains undisclosed, but the situation has ignited debate and speculation among Arsenal fans, who are now calling on Arteta and the board to take decisive action to land the highly-rated midfielder.
Zubimendi, 25, has been a long-term target for Arteta, admired for his composure on the ball, tactical intelligence, and ability to dictate the tempo of a game from deep midfield. Arsenal view him as a key piece in their midfield rebuild — and potentially a long-term successor to the likes of Jorginho and Partey.
Fan Reactions Pour In
Social media has erupted since the news broke, with supporters urging the club to prioritize the signing over any loyalty to a current squad member.
“Get it done, Arteta. No one’s bigger than the club,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter). Another added, “We’ve needed a player like Zubimendi for years — if someone’s blocking this deal, ship them out!”
What’s Next for Arsenal?
While neither Arsenal nor Zubimendi’s representatives have made an official comment, insiders suggest the Gunners are assessing their options. With competition for Zubimendi’s signature increasing — reportedly from Bayern Munich and Juventus — Arsenal can’t afford to stall.
Arteta now faces a crucial decision: back a current squad player and risk losing out on one of Spain’s finest midfielders, or make a bold, ruthless call to secure Zubimendi’s arrival.
Conclusion
The ball is firmly in Arsenal’s court. In a summer already filled with high-stakes negotiations, this latest twist only adds more intrigue to the Gunners’ transfer window drama.
Arsenal fans will be watching closely to see if Arteta is willing to make a tough call to bring in the midfield general the club craves