Martin Zubimendi might have opted to stay at Real Sociedad despite interest from Premier League leaders Arsenal due to his connection with the San Sebastian outfit, Spanish football expert Terry Gibson says on El Tel and Jon’s La Liga Weekly podcast.
Zubimendi was born and raised in San Sebastian. He came through the academy at Sociedad, joining the Txuri Urdin when he was merely knee-high to the proverbial grasshopper over a decade ago.
Now a fixture in the starting XI, Zubimendi is fulfilling a childhood dream; a talismanic presence for a Real Sociedad side looking to secure a top-four finish for the first time since 2012/13. In short, cut him, and he bleeds blue and white.
“There were rumours that he turned down Arsenal,” former Tottenham and Man United forward Gibson muses. “I think he senses what’s going on at La Real.
“That’s the pull they have; a lot of these youngsters come through (the academy), local, they want to play for Real Sociedad. It’s their ambition, their dream and they are fulfilling that. They’re playing for a really good team, with a really good manager. A fantastic football club.”
Matin Zubimendi is staying at Real Sociedad despite Arsenal interest
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Arsenal would have been ‘prepared’ to pay the £52 million release clause in Zubimendi’s contract. But, with Sociedad in the midst of a superb campaign which could end in Champions League qualification, the one-time Spain international wasn’t exactly rushing to pack his bags and clear out his locker.
“I think (Zubimendi will cost) about £50 or £60 million. That’s the buyout clause. I wouldn’t do a deal if I was Real Sociedad. I would insist a club pay all of the money in one go, and pay the buyout clause,” Gibson adds.
“There will come a time where money talks, unfortunately. And the player will realise that he’s going to quadruple his salary if he goes to the Premier League.
“(Zubimendi) is a super player. If he is linked with anybody, and Barcelona and Real Madrid have the money, they’ll buy him as well. I think there will be competition. Barcelona would love to have him as a long-term replacement for (Sergio) Busquets.”
Barca boss Xavi Hernandez spoke in glowing terms about Zubimendi prior to last week’s Copa del Rey meeting between the two Spanish giants. 34-year-old Busquets, meanwhile, is due to depart the Camp Nou in July.
It seems unlikely that Arsenal will return for Zubimendi in the summer window as things stand, West Ham talisman Declan Rice their number one off-season target. Jorginho, meanwhile, arrived on an 18-month deal from London rivals Chelsea on deadline day.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
