Arsenal are now set for disappointment as one of Mikel Arteta’s transfer targets suggests he has no interest in moving to the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners are yet to make a signing this summer – aside from David Raya’s loan move from Brentford becoming a permanent deal – although an offer has been sent to one midfield target.
However – after a period of silence – the player in question now appears to have rejected Arsenal publicly…
Martin Zubimendi suggests he does not want Arsenal move
A story from Football Transfers recently claimed that Arsenal have sent a contract offer to Real Sociedad No.4 Martin Zubimendi – although the Gunners are annoyed by the Spaniard ignoring them.
Now, Arteta appears to have been given an answer in the media.
Zubimendi told AS: “I haven’t thought about it. I feel very loved, by the people I love and, for the moment, I see it far away (an exit). We value a lot about home, we feel represented and since I am a participant in this project it would be a shame to leave it.”
Well then – it would now signal a major shock if Arsenal managed to sign the Spain international this summer, who has a €60m (£50m) release clause written into his contract with Real Sociedad.
Zubimendi made 45 appearances throughout the 2023/24 campaign, scoring four goals while also providing one assist.
Mikel Arteta will surely be upset
In our view, Arteta may be feeling pretty down about these comments, as Zubimendi is a player the Spaniard has wanted for some time now.
The Gunners have been tracking the 25-year-old for well over 12 months now, but the man from Donostia, San Sebastian simply seems to be too in love with his local side to consider leaving.
Nevertheless, there are other options out there for Arsenal this summer, with another Spanish news outlet in Mundo Deportivo describing the north Londoners as likely favourites to sign Everton No.8 Amadou Onana – should the Gunners opt to firm up their interest.
Interestingly, there is also believed to be admiration for another Real Sociedad midfielder in Mikel Merino, who has given a different answer to Zubimendi when asked about his future – calling himself an “adventurer” as he opens the door to an exit.
Arteta is rumoured to have spoken to the Spain international on the phone – amid reports Barcelona are worried about missing out on the playmaker to Arsenal.
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Be sure to keep an eye on developments at Arsenal, as we expect a new central midfielder to arrive at the Emirates Stadium this summer…