Arsenal have been told Martin Zubimendi’s future shall be resolved in June amid speculation that a £51million transfer is a formality.
Mikel Arteta’s side are currently preparing for his or her Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain, but with the season reaching its climax attention will soon turn to the summer window.
No matter their European fate, Arsenal will look to strengthen within the close season after their Premier League title challenge this term ran out of steam.
Although a centre forward is known to be a priority, a midfield rebuild can also be on the cards given the upcoming departure of veteran Italy international Jorginho.
The 33-year-old is ready to depart as a free agent and is discussions with Brazilian club Flamengo, while Arteta could also lose Thomas Partey because the Ghana international linked with a return to his former club Atletico Madrid.
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Latest Arsenal transfer chief Andrea Berta is known to have helped close a deal for the Spain international midfielder who can also be said to be a Real Madrid goal.
Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay, nonetheless, claims all interested parties must wait until June before a final decision is made.
Talking to Radio Marca Donostia, Aperribay said: ‘We’ll see what happens.
‘All I ask of him is one last effort to qualify for Europe and whatever happens, will occur in June.
‘There’s no point in speculating now about whether he’ll be there. He’s had several opportunities to depart and he’ll make the choice he wants, because he’ll have more options.’
When quizzed on whether there was any likelihood of Zubimendi signing fresh terms and staying put, Aperribay added: ‘I don’t remember our last conversation.
‘Once I seek advice from 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 even beat all of them. There aren’t any easy or difficult matches. Martin is an element of that.
‘I don’t know if it’s difficult for him to remain. We haven’t tried to boost the clause.
‘Don’t think contracts are negotiated like that. It’s more a matter of willpower. If he desires to proceed the conversation, it can last five minutes. I don’t know if it’s difficult.’
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