Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi publicly snubs Barcelona in £53m Gunners boost
Martin Zubimendi has explicitly stated that he is not inclined to join Barcelona amidst the recurring transfer rumors involving the Spanish midfielder.
Despite his contributions to Real Sociedad’s qualification for the upcoming season’s Champions League, the 24-year-old has been associated with Barcelona and Arsenal.
It has been reported that he could be acquired for his release clause amounting to £53 million.
Although some individuals in Spain have identified Zubimendi as the potential successor to Sergio Busquets in the central midfield position at Camp Nou, the player himself has emphasized that prioritizing such a move is not his intention.
“Inheriting Asier Illarramendi’s No4 motivates me more than Sergio Busquets’ No5,” he told El Diario Vasco in an interview, referencing Sociedad favourite and midfield partner Illarramendi.
Arsenal is eager to bolster their midfield during the upcoming summer transfer window, with Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo being their primary targets. However, Zubimendi has been considered a genuine alternative, as having backup options is crucial for Mikel Arteta in the summer market.
Securing Zubimendi’s transfer from Real Sociedad will indeed be a significant challenge, considering how frequently he has publicly expressed his reluctance to leave the LaLiga club. It implies that convincing him to join another team would require a substantial effort.
“I have never planned to leave Real Sociedad – I always say that,” Zubimendi told Marca last month.
“I love life here, at home, I’m so happy here. The value of this club are same as mine so I feel very good, I always said that I’m happy.”
Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi publicly snubs Barcelona in £53m Gunners boost
