Arsenal are wanting to sign a number of new players this summer but one of their key targets looks set to turn them down.
The Gunners are looking for a busy summer full of incomings and outgoings as Mikel Arteta looks to go again into the 24/25 campaign.
Fresh faces in the squad are deemed key by the Spaniard and the likes of Benjamin Sesko and Bruno Guimaraes are two players being heavily linked with moves to The Emirates.
Midfield seems to be an area where the Gunners boss wants to really add quality and depth to.
However, according to reports from Spain, one big Arsenal target has now ruled out a move to London.
Martin Zubimendi decides he no longer wants to sign for Arsenal
According to a report from Sport, Spanish midfielder Zubimendi has now opted against a move to Arsenal.
The Gunners had been tipped to make a move for Zubimendi and it was even suggested he was more likely to be the midfielder they signed than Bruno Guimaraes.
However, Sport are reporting that it won’t be happening now and Zubimendi has instead decided he will only leave Sociedad to sign for Real Madrid or Barcelona.
The young midfielder is believed to have a release-clause of around £60m in his contract.
Arsenal were said to be willing to pay that clause as well but now, it seems like he’s had a change of heart and is awaiting a huge move in Spain.
Arsenal cannot afford to waste time
If this is Zubimendi’s final decision and he has decided that he’s not going to North London, then Arsenal have to park this one and move on quickly.
The Gunners cannot afford to sit around and wait for players to make their minds up. Indeed, if there’s suggestions they aren’t keen then that is a red flag.
There are plenty of players out there who would jump at the chance of signing for Arsenal right now.
Zubimendi, of course, is entitled to do as he pleases.
But he might have missed the Arsenal boat here and if he has a change of mind later on in the window, he’ll likely find Edu’s door shut.