Arsenal could part ways with two stars if they sign Martin Zubimendi, with Mikel Arteta pausing contract talks.
The Gunners are closing in on a deal for the Spanish midfielder. It has been suggested that they will activate his £51 million release clause, with the move made official in the summer.
However, Arsenal are keen to formalize his arrival before then. Regardless of when Zubimenedi moves to North London, his signing could potentially see two current stars at the exit door.
Fellow midfielders Thomas Partey and Jorginho are both out of contract this summer and would be available for free in six months' time. And Arsenal boss Arteta recently revealed that talks over their future have been put on hold for the time being.
“What I can say is that this is not what I want, it is what both players have in their heads and what their situation is,” Arteta said earlier this month.
“I don't want to start these conversations now, I want to have these conversations much later because the focus has to be on what we need to do in the season. They can understand the intentions and then we can see what we can do.
“It's a close communication with them to understand what their idea is, what they want to do, to also express our intentions and then we let everyone decide what is the best option there.
“But they are two players that I am very happy with. They are of great value to the team. And I also want to keep them with the right mentality, because the most important part of the season is coming now.”
Jorginho has already been linked with an immediate departure. According to Globo, Brazilian side Flamengo have started talks in an attempt to sign him.
Ideally, they want to secure his services this month, but that would require a compromise from Arsenal to let Jorginho leave for nothing. The 33-year-old midfielder has made 70 appearances for the club since joining from London rivals Chelsea in 2023.
Partey, 31, has been a key player for Arsenal this season. The former Atletico Madrid midfielder has made 29 appearances in all competitions for Arteta's side.
Away from the heart of midfield, Arsenal also need to think when it comes to attack. Their need for a striker has only increased in recent days with Gabriel Jesus' serious knee injury, which is likely to sideline him for the rest of the season.
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