Martin Zubimendi admits debunking Arsenal claim as he issues update on future

Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi has claimed his future remains open - even though the Gunners are currently putting the finishing touches on a £51million transfer deal. Mikel Arteta's side still fully expect the 26-year-old midfielder to join the club this summer, however, Zubimendi has refused to provide any assurances he'll be heading to north London imminently after joining up with the Spain national team squad.

The 26-year-old, who rejected the chance to move to last August, told Radio Nacional when asked if he could yet stay at Real Sociedad: "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.

"I don't think thinking about that right now is 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."

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Real Madrid's appointment of Xabi Alonso, who coached Zubimendi during his time in charge of Real Sociedad B, has sparked speculation in Spain that Los Blancos could yet turn the player's head with a late offer.

Zubimendi is still yet to undergo his medical but the framework of a deal has been in place for several months as the Gunners have swooped quickly to beat off rival interest in the player. Payments structures have also been negotiated and agreed between the two clubs and the move is now at the paperwork stage, though Sociedad would ideally prefer the move to be ratified in July to protect their financial records.

Last week, Zubimendi posted a picture on his social media profile from a beach in San Sebastian amid reports in Spain that he was currently completing his Arsenal medical.

He's now revealed the move was calculated, explaining: "It's an example of what surrounds football. Many times I wake up in the morning and read things that I didn't know I had done. That was a clear example.

"It's true that I don't take it very seriously, but anyway, I uploaded those photos to emphasise a little that it wasn't exactly the reality that was happening."

When asked if a late call from Alonso could change the picture, Zubimendi responded: "I have always said that he was my idol and that for me it was lucky that 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, because I also think that it would be disrespectful to answer from the national team training camp and before facing such an important competition."

Speaking in late April, Real Sociedad president Jokic Aperribay appeared to indicate the club were yet to concede they'd be losing Zubimendi. He said: "Zubimendi is the only player we've spoken to. Clubs have asked us, but no player has told us they want to leave. We've told Martin to go to the national team calmly, to think about it, and we'd like him to stay."

Arsenal remain in ongoing contract talks with Thomas Partey and there is confidence the Ghanaian will remain at the club despite interest from .

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