Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay has admitted that Martin Zubimendi will make a transfer decision in June amid significant interest from Arsenal.
The Spain international was close to joining Liverpool last summer, amid the Reds’ pursuit of a new central midfielder, but he opted to remain at Real Sociedad for another season, despite the opportunity to secure a lucrative contract at Anfield.
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Arne Slot’s side have now cooled their interest in the 26-year-old, following Ryan Gravenberch’s emergence as a world class defensive midfielder, and Arsenal are leading the race for his signature as a result.
The Gunners are hoping to bolster their options in the middle of the park ahead of Jorginho’s imminent exit on a Bosman deal and they have identified Zubimendi as a key transfer target as Mikel Arteta looks to increase the Spanish contingent at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal are also hoping to sign Athletic Club winger Nico Williams and Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia this summer, while FootballTransfers understands that talks have been opened with Valencia defender Yarek Gasiorowski as Arsenal look to bring him to north London later this year.
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Martin Zubimendi update
Real Madrid are expected to battle Arsenal for Zubimendi’s signature this summer, but FootballTransfers has been informed that Arteta’s side are the frontrunners to sign him and they have been handed a concrete update on his future.
Speaking to Radio Marca Donostia, Real Sociedad president Aperribay admitted: “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 Zubimendi could extend his contract at Real Sociedad, Aperribay replied: “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. I 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.”
Zubimendi has a €60 million (£51m) release clause included in his current deal with Real Sociedad, which is due to expire in 2027, and Arsenal are widely expected to trigger it this summer.
