'Think it over' - Martin Zubimendi told to snub Arsenal as Real Sociedad president and sporting director deny La Liga side 'need to sell' star midfielder

Arsenal are believed to be on the verge of landing Zubimendi, with reports indicating that the Premier League club have already agreed personal terms with the Spaniard. All that remains is an official announcement after the Gunners trigger the €60 million (£51m/$68m) release clause in his contract. While Arsenal are optimistic about completing the transfer, the Basque outfit has made it clear they are not ready to part ways without a fight.

Zubimendi has previously rejected a move to Liverpool and has been linked to Real Madrid as well this summer. However, Mikel Arteta’s long-standing admiration and Arsenal’s growing European ambitions appear to be tipping the scales in north London’s favour this time around. But it seems that there's still a mile to the finish line.

Club president Jokin Aperribay publicly addressed the situation, revealing that despite interest from several top European sides, no player, including Zubimendi, has yet communicated a desire to leave.

"Zubimendi is the only player we've spoken to. Clubs have asked us, but no player has told us they want to leave," he told reporters.

"We've told Martin to go to the national team calmly, to think about it, and we'd like him to stay. We know there are several options. Something may come to fruition or not... I don't see it happening in the short term. We don't see it that way, so we have to wait and see."

Erik Bretos, who officially begins his tenure as Sociedad’s new sporting director this week, also weighed in on the matter. Though realistic about the possibility of losing a player of Zubimendi’s calibre, Bretos stressed that the club is not in a position where it has to sell.

"I would love for him to stay at Real Sociedad for a lifetime, but at the same time, since he's so good, our duty in that case is to be prepared in case he ever leaves Real Sociedad," he said. "But I would also like to remember a little about what happened with him here last summer, and for me at least, it's something that will always stay with me and for which I will always be grateful. Sociedad have become strong in doing things well and not needing to sell. From what the Board and the president tell me, that's the situation right now. What we're very clear about is that we want to improve the team, and we're clear that we'll be able to do so."

For now, the ball is in Zubimendi’s court. With his release clause publicly known and Arsenal ready to meet it, the decision lies with the player himself. Sociedad remain hopeful that their star will remain, but are also bracing for the reality of losing him. The Gunners, meanwhile, must stay patient and ensure all details are finalised before celebrating what would be a significant addition to their midfield.