Arsenal are front runners in the race to sign the real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi for £ 51 million, but there is still time for a key to be thrown into the works
The movement of Arsenal for Martin Zubimendi has long looked like a matter of when instead of like. However, the same applied to Liverpool's pursuit of the Real Sociedad star, and his current club wants to repeat the move that served them well last summer.
After he stayed in San Sebastian to play for La Real in the Champions League, Zubimendi had intended an Anfield switch. After a last closed plea from manager Imanol Alguacil, he decided to stay in place.
This time it is President Jokin Aperbay, instead of Alguacil, who makes a final attempt to keep the star in the neighborhood. They are ready to pay £ 51 million for the Spain International, with reports earlier this week that indicate that he will undergo a medical before he signs.
Zubimendi will meet his international colleagues in June, after being mentioned in the Luis de la Fuente team for the UEFA Nations League Semis and – if they beat France – the final. And if Arsenal does not close a deal before that time, Aperribay encouraged the 26-year-old to take his time about the decision.
“We told Martin to calmly go to the national team, think about it, and we want him to stay,” Aperribay is quoted by El Desmarque (via Sport Witness). “We know that there are different options. There may be a flourishing or not … I don't see it in the short term. We don't see it in the short term. We don't see it in the short term.
In 2024, Alguacil appealed to Zubimendi's emotions in an attempt to convince him to stay. The boss is supposed to have reminded the midfielder of the beautiful Basque Country and the local cuisine, and that played a role in helping the player in his boys' club.
“Liverpool is a historical and great club and the fact that a player like Martin said that 'no' is a reason to be proud,” Alguacil said later (through relevant) “That means that things are done well at the club.”
While Zubimendi stayed, other important men did not. His former teammate Mikel Merino came to Arsenal last summer, while Robin Le Normand made a big move to Atletico Madrid.
The side of Alguacil was unable to keep up with their high standards and sink to an 11th place in La Liga. They also saw their Europa League dreams crushed by Manchester United, while Bruno Fernandes scored a hat trick to complete a 6-3 total victory.
It still seems more likely than not that this will be the summer where Zubimendi leaves. However, it seems that his club will not give up hope until the deal is official.