The president of Real Sociedad has revealed that the future of midfielder Martin Zubimendi will be decided in June in the midst of intense interest of Arsenal.
The 26-year-old came close to Liverpool last summer before he changed his mind during the last minute and has a release clause of £ 51 million.
The Spanish international has been praised by Mikel Arteta for more than 12 months, although Real Madrid is said to have shown interest.
Arsenal is looking for a new central midfield player with Jorginho and Thomas Peny, both at the end of the season without a contract.
They will be stimulated by the comments of President Jokin Aperbay, in which the Sociedad chef fails to exclude a move for Zubimendi from the Basque side.
When asked about the future of the Euro 2024 winner, Aperbay told Radio Marca Donostia: 'We will see what is happening. The only thing 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 chances to leave and he will make the decision he wants because he will have more options. '
Asked if Zubimendi would sign a new contract in Spain, Aperbay added: 'I don't remember our last conversation. When I talk to him, it is more about goals, pushing.
'There is another month left and we play against opponents who can beat us, but we can also beat them all.
'There are no easy or difficult competitions. Martin is part of that. I don't know if it's hard for him to stay.
“We didn't try to put on 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 takes five minutes. I don't know if it is difficult. '
Zubimendi wants to play Champions League football, but Sociedad is in tenth place in La Liga and seem to miss European football next season.
In the last 16 of the Europa League after the defeat of Manchester United, they bowed to the last week and announced in the past week that B team boss Sergio Francisco will perform at the end of the season to replace Imanol-Alguacil.
Liverpool narrowly missed to sign Zubimendi for £ 51 million last summer before a dramatic U-turn remains the midfielder in the Reale Arena.
The Reds wanted to strengthen their team for Arne Slot's debut campaign in Anfield, before Zubimendi finally decided to stay.
Zubimendi opened the Spanish press in August: 'I was not busy from my narrow circle.
'My friends are clear that whatever I decide, it will be the best. There is no busy at all.
'Real Sociedad for me is my life, I think I've been there for half of my life. Much of what I am is part of real, it's my life, “he added.