Top News

Atletico Madrid have reportedly turned their nose up at the chance to sign Thomas Partey on a free transfer this summer. The Arsenal midfielder faces an increasingly uncertain future at the Emirates Stadium, with his contract set to expire at the end of the month.

Partey featured 35 times in the Premier League this season, scoring four goals and providing two assists. Playing a key role in Mikel Arteta's side, he helped the Gunners finish second and qualify for the Champions League.

The Ghana international predominantly featured at the base of midfield, though he occasionally filled in at right-back. Earlier this month, Arsenal announced that discussions over a new deal for Partey were ongoing and, once a final decision had been made, they would make a statement.

READ MORE: Rodrygo to Arsenal transfer twist gives Mikel Arteta fresh hope as Bayern Munich plot £47m swoop

READ MORE: Benjamin Sesko sends Arsenal wordless message as RB Leipzig striker makes shock transfer demand

The north Londoners are yet to do so, leaving the door open for clubs to sign the 32-year-old on a free transfer. According to Estadio Deportivo, Atletico have already rejected the idea of bringing Partey back to the Spanish capital.

The report claims that Diego Simeone wants to sign Johnny Cardoso instead, who has been linked with a move Tottenham Hotspur this summer. While it remains to be seen whether or not Arsenal extend Partey's stay, Mikel Arteta has already found his replacement.

football.london understands that the Gunners are long admirers of Martin Zubimendi who has a release clause in his Real Sociedad contract worth €60m (£51.4m). Arsenal have been keeping tabs on the 26-year-old since the summer of 2023, with Arteta said to be a big fan.

It's understood that the north Londoners are under the assumption they'll successfully secure his signature. And, on Friday, The Athletic reported that Zubimendi was in the United Kingdom to meet officials from the club and wrap up the formalities of his transfer.

Charles Watts reckons that the Spain international has already picked the number he wants to wear. It's said that Zubimendi has picked the number 36, which he donned during the 2018/19, 2019/20, and 2020/21 seasons at Sociedad before switching to three and then four.

Earlier this month, Zubimendi was quizzed on his future at the Basque outfit. Speaking to Radio Nacional during the international break, he said: "Of course there are options, but it's true that it looks like it's going to be a different, long summer - and I don't know how it's going to end."

"Right now, thinking about it isn't my priority. I'm here with the national team, which is already quite demanding, and if I have to say something, then I will."

At the end of May, the Sociedad president addressed Zubimendi's situation. As quoted by Goal, Jokin Aperribay told reporters: "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. 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."