Real Sociedad boss rules out transfer for Arsenal target | OneFootball

Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil insists he has no doubts that Martin Zubimendi will remain at the club this summer, despite links to Arsenal.

SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN: Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad celebrates after scoring their team’s first goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Sociedad and Deportivo Alaves at Reale Arena on January 02, 2024. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Martin Zubimendi has been linked with Arsenal for a few months now, but the biggest question around a potential transfer was always whether he actually wanted to go.

Despite interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, Zubimendi has always previously turned down the chance to leave Real Sociedad, staying committed to his current side.

According to manager Imanol Alguacil, the midfielder is expected to do the same again this summer.

BARCELONA, SPAIN: Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad looks on during the LaLiga Santander match between FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad at Spotify Camp Nou on May 20, 2023. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

“There have been rumours not only from Barcelona, but from many other big teams, because he is a great player and he is doing phenomenally,” Alguacil said. “Also this year, with the Champions League showcase.

“It’s been a lot of weeks in which there is a lot of talk about Zubimendi, and the fact is that it is good for the club and for the boy.

“However, I have no doubt that he wants to be here and surely next year he will be here with us.”

SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN: Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad passes the ball whilst under pressure from Warren Zaire-Emery of Paris Saint-Germain during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 second leg match between Real Sociedad and Paris Saint-Germain at Reale Arena on March 05, 2024. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Earlier this week, reports from Spain suggest Barcelona had made a move for Zubimendi, contacting the player’s club.

But in response, Real Sociedad simply referred Barcelona to the midfielder’s €60m (£51.9m) release clause, and the Catalan Club thus viewed a transfer as unrealistic for them.

That appeared to put Arsenal in the driving seat for the signing, with the Gunners more able to pay that kind of fee. But the suggestion now is that Zubimendi will remain where he is.