Arsenal star tipped to leave if Martin Zubimendi joins in 'key' transfer mistake | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta is expected to land his dream signing, which may spell the end for another

Arsenal have been tipped to sell one star midfielder to make room for Martin Zubimendi.

Standard Sport understands the Gunners are ready to trigger Zubimendi's €60million (£51m) release clause after a months-long pursuit, as they look to refresh their midfield.

With Jorginho and Thomas Partey both the wrong side of 30 years old and out of contract in the summer, Mikel Arteta needs reinforcements and Zubimendi has been considered a dream signing for the manager for a while.

Arsenal have a good relationship with Sociedad after signing Mikel Merino for £30million last summer and the pair are now expected to reunite at the Emirates Stadium a year later.

Zubimendi is considered one of the finest holding midfielders in Europe, and will likely partner similarly lauded Declan Rice. That means there will be little room for Merino.

Burley points out that the addition of Zubimendi does not address the clear weakness in Arsenal's squad - a lack of a striker - and why Liverpool will beat them to the title this season.

Mikel Merino has struggled to impress fans

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Burley told ESPN: "I think Liverpool will drop the odd point here and there but I can’t see them having a disaster.

"Arsenal are going to have to do something pretty special. I don’t think signing a new striker guarantees anything but it gives them a much better chance.

"They new this would probably be the scenario. They knew they didn’t have a natural goalscorer.

"They went out and signed Mikel Merino and Riccardo Calafiori last summer. They’re good players, but now they’re being linked with a move for Martin Zubimendi in the summer.

"That would mean Merino going out because Merino is not going to play in front of Zubimendi and Rice.

"But even if they do bring in a new midfielder, they’re still going to need to address the striker position, that’s the key area."