Arsenal are keen on strengthening their midfield options in the summer transfer window, and have been strongly linked with Martin Zubimendi.
The Real Sociedad star has been eyed up by Mikel Arteta for a long time, with the 25-year-old seen as a player who could be the long-term solution to completing Arsenal’s midfield.
Arteta sees a bit of himself in Zubimendi, who can play both at the base of midfield, as well as further forward, and he could be the final piece of the puzzle to completing the perfect trio alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.
Zubimendi has a release clause of around £52m, and reports suggested that having turned down Arsenal and Barcelona moves to stay at his boyhood club in the past, he would now be open to a transfer away, but he has opened up on these rumours.
Martin Zubimendi claims he is not bothered by Arsenal links
Speaking to MARCA ahead of Real Sociedad’s La Liga clash with Real Madrid, Zubimendi claimed that his full focus is on his performances for his club.
“I’m happy at Real Sociedad, it’s my home. I can’t say I will be here for the rest of my career, because maybe in the future Real Sociedad won’t want me to continue here,” he stated.
“I’m not bothered about those rumours (with Arsenal and Bayern Munich).”
Arsenal could still sign Martin Zubimendi
Zubimendi’s quotes are typical of a player asked about his future during the season, and nothing can be ruled out for the summer window.
READ MORE: Arsenal’s most expensive transfer sales of all-time
Arsenal’s interest in Zubimendi is strong, and the presence of a release clause would make a deal easy.
Real Sociedad and Arsenal share a good relationship, and Kieran Tierney is currently on loan at the Basque side, meaning the only deciding factor right now would be Zubimendi’s desire to move.
The midfielder helped Real Sociedad reach the Champions League round of 16 this season, but La Real look highly unlikely to qualify again for next season, and he may now see this as a good time to try a new adventure under Arteta.
Tierney has described Zubimendi as “world-class,” and should he join, Arsenal’s midfield could be complete for years to come.