The Gunners are preparing for the departure of Thomas Partey as he enters the final year of his contract next month.

They want a midfielder in his prime to replace him and The Athletic claim that Zubimendi is the prime priority.

Mikel Arteta is also a keen admirer of the Spaniard, but a deal is far from straightforward at the current point.

Zubimendi has been reluctant to leave the Basque region over the years and has no desire to make a move this time.

He has a release clause worth £50 million in his deal, but he has no plans of leaving against the wishes of Sociedad.

Hence, he is more likely to stay with the Spanish outfit. Arsenal may have to look at alternative transfer options.

Arsenal are currently looking at other midfielders such as Joao Neves , Bruno Guimaraes and Amadou Onana .

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