Arsenal news: Have your say on Martin Zubimendi

Just days ago, it looked as if Arsenal signing Martin Zubimendi was a matter of when, rather than if.

But if his reported comments while on international duty are anything to go by, there is still work to be done before the 26 year-old Spain midfielder becomes a Gunner.

“Of course, there are options but it’s true that it seems like it’s going to be a different, long summer, and I don’t know how it will end,” said in an interview with National Radio of Spain before his country’s Nations League semi-final against France.

“I’m not thinking about that right now. [That is not] my priority. I’m here with the national team, which I think is already quite demanding, and if I have to say something, then I will.”

Has Xabi Alonso’s arrival at Real Madrid thrown a spanner in the works?

The former Spain midfielder, who was appointed as Real’s manager last month, coached Zubimendi during his time in the Real Sociedad academy.

“I have always said that he [Alonso] was my idol,” Zubimendi said when asked about the prospect of joining Alonso at Real Madrid.

“It was lucky he was able to coach me in the reserve team in a very important year. The following year, I was already in the first team and, well, I don’t like to talk about those hypotheses. I prefer to talk about the present.”

Last summer, Zubimendi looked set to sign for Liverpool – only to then reject a move to Anfeld after Real Sociedad seemingly managed to change his mind about leaving.

So, what do you make of Zubimendi’s comments? Are you not reading much into them, or is there a possibility he stays in Spain next season – and how much of a blow would that be? Are there other midfielder targets Mikel Arteta should be looking at?

Get in touch with your thoughts here