Martin Zubimendi is playing down a potential move to Premier League leaders Arsenal, telling Sport that he remains ‘very happy’ at La Liga outfit Real Sociedad.
The last time Arsenal signed a player who had caught the eye in San Sebastien, it worked out rather well. Martin Odegaard is just two months away from becoming the first Gunners captain since Patrick Vieira in 2004 to hold the Premier League trophy aloft.
Odegaard’s former Sociedad team-mate, however, will not be rushing to join him in North London.
According to Sport, Zubimendi is one of Arsenal’s leading targets ahead of the summer transfer window; joining Declan Rice and Mosies Caicedo on the radar of a side prioritising a commanding central midfielder.
When quizzed on those Arsenal links, however, the £52 million-rated, one-time Spain international was rather dismissive.
Arsenal and Barcelona like Martin Zubimendi
“Rumours, rumours. I told my agent that I didn’t want to hear anything, especially in the winter,” Zubimendi explains. “Leaving Real Sociedad during the season we are having would be illogical.
“Here, I am very happy. I look forward to a quiet summer.”
Arsenal could take Zubimendi’s future out of Real Sociedad’s hands if they trigger the £52 million release clause in his contract; Fabrizio Romano insisting that the Basque-born 24-year-old is indeed one of the players on Arsenal’s radar.
But the Real Sociedad academy graduate insists that – even if the clause was triggered – he may remain loyal to his hometown club.
“When someone wants to at a club, the clause doesn’t matter,” Zubimendi adds.
Barcelona have also been linked; the La Liga leaders in the market for a long-term Sergio Busquets replacement. Barca’s de-factor transfer ban, however, could impede their ability to bring in a man who models his game on Camp Nou legend.
“(Zubimendi will cost) about £50 or £60 million. 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,” Spanish football expert Terry Gibson tells El Tel and Jon’s La Liga Weekly podcast.
“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 Busquets.”
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