Martin Zubimendi Arsenal shirt number 'revealed' ahead of £51.4m transfer decision

Martin Zubimendi's Arsenal shirt number has reportedly been revealed ahead of his proposed transfer.

Zubimendi has also been linked with a blockbuster switch to the Emirates Stadium this summer. football.london understands that Arsenal have long admired the Real Sociedad midfielder, who has a release clause in his contract worth €60million (£51.4m).

The Gunners have been monitoring Zubimendi since the summer of 2023, with Mikel Arteta reportedly being a big fan. It is believed that Arsenal are confident they'll successfully secure his services. On Friday, The Athletic reported that Zubimendi was in London to meet club officials - and finalise the details of his transfer.

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

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta eyes surprise Thomas Partey replacement as Arsenal negotiations revealed

Arsenal journalist Charles Watts has, meanwhile, reported that the Spain star's shirt number will be No.36 - as and when he joins Arteta's side. However, Zubimendi has recently claimed his future remains open despite strong links to Arsenal, plus Spanish giants Real Madrid.

"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," he told Radio Nacional from the Spain national team's camp earlier this month.

"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."

Zubimendi posted images through his Instagram account in May showing him at a beach in San Sebastian, amid reports that he was in the United Kingdom for an Arsenal medical.

He went on: "It's an example of what surrounds the world of football. Sometimes I wake up and read things that I didn't know I'd done, and that was an example.

"It's true that I don't take it too seriously, but with those photos I wanted to emphasise that that wasn't the reality of what was happening."