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boss has risked an eyebrow raise from Martin Zubimendi after his recent comments on one of the Gunners' midfielders. The Real Sociedad star has reportedly reached a verbal agreement to head to north London this summer in a £50.75million transfer.

Zubimendi came close to joining a year ago, with the Reds ready to pay his release clause. However, he opted to stay put at La Real, instead as they look to go one step further and win the next season. Zubimendi to Arsenal appeared a perfect fit, with the Spanish star expected to fit in seamlessly alongside and . However, those plans may have taken a twist with Arteta's comments.

had been expected to leave on a free transfer, with his contract up at the end of the season. There was interest from Italian and clubs and news surrounding a possible extension had cooled.

But Arteta confirmed that he wants Partey to remain at the club moving forward and labelled him a "really important player".

When asked if he wants the Ghanaian to stay at the Emirates this week, Arteta replied: "Yes. I think consistency-wise it's been his best season. The way he's played, performed, his availability, has been exceptional and he's a really important player for us."

Zubimendi may have taken note of those comments, especially with the 26-year-old expected to replace Partey in the starting line-up.

The Spanish international is used to being an undisputed starter and Sociedad and perhaps would have expected to continue in the same vein in Arsenal, but that idea appears to have been scuppered with Arteta's recent positive comments on Partey.

The transfer is still expected to go ahead, after Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay revealed that Zubimendi's future will be resolved next month.

"We'll see what happens," Aperribay told . "All I ask of him is one last effort to qualify for Europe and whatever happens, will happen in June.

"There's no point in speculating now about whether he'll be there. He's had several opportunities to leave and he'll make the decision he wants, because he'll have more options.

"I don't remember our last conversation [with Zubimendi]. When I talk to him, it's more about goals, pushing... There's one month left, and we're playing against opponents who can beat us, but we can also beat them all.

"I don't know if it's difficult for him to stay. We haven't tried to raise the clause. Don't think contracts are negotiated like that. It's more a matter of willpower. If he wants to continue the conversation, it will last five minutes. I don't know if it's difficult."