Arsenal remains confident Real Sociedad -midfielder Martin Zubimendi will join the club in the summer transfer window in which would represent a large coup for boss Mikel Arteta
The real Sociedad President Jokin Aperbay has revealed that the future of Arsenal -target Martin Zubimendi will be resolved in June. The 26-year-old Spaniard rejected a move to Liverpool last summer, but he is now probably on his way to the Premier League while the Gunners are ready to look for his £ 51 million release clause formally.
Arsenal is operating internally with the conviction that a deal for Zubimendi is as good as done, even if Real Madrid permanent admirers of the player remains in the midst of their interest in Bayer Leverkusen -Baas Xabi Alonso. Alonso worked with Zubimendi during his time the leadership of Real Sociedad B.
Speaking with Radio Marca Donostia, Aperribay has now spoken about the future of Zubimendi and although he has not announced any details about a possible transfer to Arsenal, it seems that Sociedad has now accepted that the Euro 2024 has been set up to enter new pastures.
Aperbay said: “We will see what is happening. Everything I ask of him is a final attempt to qualify for Europe and whatever happens, will happen in June. It makes no sense to speculate now whether he will be there. He has had several opportunities to leave and he will make the decision he wants, because he has more options.”
When he interviewed if there was a chance that Zubimendi will signed new terms and stayed, Aperbay added: “I don't remember our last conversation. When I talk to him, it is more about goals, pushing … There is a month left and we play opponents who can beat us, but we can also beat them.
“I don't know if it is difficult for him to stay. We have not tried to increase the clause. Do not think that contracts are negotiated that way. It is more a matter of willpower. If he wants to continue the conversation, it will take five minutes. I don't know if it is difficult.” In the past week, the real Sociedad head coach Imanol Alguacil was announced that he would put an end to the end of the season.
The Basque club is now confronted with a tough struggle to secure the European qualification for next season and Zubimendi wants to play Champions League football.
Sociedad has since announced that B -team boss Sergio Francisco will perform to replace Alguacil and it seems that a summer herbuild is on the maps in the Reale Arena after the Europa League output of the club in the hands of Manchester United.
Arsenal's striving for Zubimendi is not supposed to be linked to the future of Thomas Pedey with Arsenal in a continuous dialogue with the Ghanaian representatives about a possible contract extension.
With Jorginho in the row to leave Arsenal on a free transfer at the end of June, Mikel Arteta wants to strengthen his midfield options and has personally insisted on the signature of Zubimendi because he loves the qualities of his fellow countryman. Zubimendi has also attracted interest in Manchester City.
Become a member of our new WhatsApp community! Click on this link to receive your daily dose of mirror football content. We also deal with our members of the community on special offers, promotions and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can view every time you like. If you are curious, you can read our privacy statement.