Fabrizio Romano claims that Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi is unlikely to move in January amid continued interest from Arsenal.
Martin Zubimendi absolutely loves Real Sociedad and is expected to stick around for a while yet.
That is according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, who has been speaking on Kick Streaming about Zubimendi.
Arsenal are likely to be in the market for another midfielder in January amid continued injury problems for Thomas Partey.
Declan Rice’s versatility means Arsenal may well look at players who can sit in front of defence and those who are more attack-minded.
Fabrizio Romano comments on Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi
One of the names on Mikel Arteta’s radar is Real Sociedad ace Zubimendi.
Arteta may see shades of himself in Zubimendi, a San Sebastian-born midfielder shining for Real Socieda.
Zubimendi even started his career in the Antiguoko ranks, just like Arteta did in his playing days.
The 24-year-old has been shining in La Liga and the way he dictates games will appeal to Arteta.
Romano has now stated that Arsenal and Barcelona have both wanted to sign Zubimendi in recent times.
However, Zubimendi loves playing for his hometown club and is in no rush to leave, hence snubbing both Arsenal and Barcelona in the past.
Romano notes that Zubimendi does have a €60million (£52million) release clause in his contract, but his love for Sociedad and their great form this season means a departure is unlikely.
“Zubimendi is a player Barcelona really appreciate, but he has a release clause of €60million,” said Romano. “That’s a lot of money, so for sure, for January, it’s almost impossible. It’s also important to say that, for Zubimendi… this is something that our Spanish friends know very well, how it is for Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad players – they are in love with the club, they are in love with the city, they feel the shirt.”
“It’s not easy for these players to leave. Zubimendi had the opportunity to leave Real Sociedad multiple times with Arsenal interest, with Barcelona interest, and he always wanted to stay. So, in that case for Zubimendi, it was a very clear intention to continue. Imagine now with Real Sociedad doing wonderful in La Liga, doing great in the Champions League – I don’t see Zubimendi leaving in, honestly, in January I mean,” he added.
If Arsenal want a new midfielder in January, we would suggest that Zubimendi isn’t going to be their man.
Maybe the Spaniard will be more open to a move at the end of the season, but Arsenal may need to consider if they are willing to wait – as they did with Declan Rice – or if they need to move on.
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