Martin Zubimendi would prefer to sign for Arsenal this summer, it has been claimed. The 26-year-old has long been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium after impressing in Spain with Real Sociedad.
He was close to joining Liverpool at the end of last season, but chose to stay at his boyhood club. Almost 12 months later, Zubimendi, who has two years left to run on his contract at Sociedad, is at the centre of another transfer tug-of-war. Real Madrid, alongside Arsenal, are interested in the Spaniard.
football.london understands that the Gunners are long-term admirers of the midfielder, who has a release clause worth €60million (£52.3m) in his contract. It’s believed that Arsenal have been keeping tabs on Zubimendi for well over a year now, with interest dating back to the summer of 2023.
Arteta is said to be a huge admirer of Zubimendi and keen to get a deal done for the Spain international in the summer window. While Real Madrid want to lure him to the Santiago Bernabeu, his preference is reported to be Arsenal and the Emirates Stadium, according to the Daily Mail.
Zubimendi would favour a move to Arsenal, with Real Madrid instead eyeing up an audacious summer move for Liverpool title-winning midfielder Alexis Mac Allister.
Although Zubimendi prefers to join the Gunners, Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay remained tight-lipped over the midfielder’s future. He told Radio Marca Donostia: “We’ll see what happens.
“All I ask of him is one last effort to qualify for Europe and whatever happens, will happen in June. There’s no point in speculating now about whether he’ll be there. He’s had several opportunities to leave and he’ll make the decision he wants, because he’ll have more options.”
When asked if there was any chance of Zubimendi signing a new contract at Real Sociedad, Aperribay added: “I don’t remember our last conversation. When I talk to him, it’s more about goals, pushing…
“There’s one month left, and we’re playing against opponents who can beat us, but we can also beat them all. There are no easy or difficult matches. Martin is part of that.
“I don’t know if it’s difficult for him to stay. We haven’t tried to raise the clause. Don’t think contracts are negotiated like that. It’s more a matter of willpower. If he wants to continue the conversation, it will last five minutes. I don’t know if it’s difficult.”
- Source: NEWHD MEDIA
