Martin Zubimendi publicly snubs Barcelona amid Arsenal transfer links
Real Sociedad midfielder doubles down on claim he wants to stay in San Sebastian
artin Zubimendi has made clear he has no interest in joining Barcelona ahead of another summer of transfer speculation around the Spanish midfielder.
After helping Real Sociedad to qualification for next season’s Champions League, the 24-year-old has been linked with Barcelona and Arsenal while reportedly being available at his release clause of £53million.
Some in Spain have pinpointed Zubimendi as the heir to Sergio Busquets’ spot at the heart of the Camp Nou midfield, yet he has insisted that such a move is not his priority.
“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 are keen on strengthening their midfield this summer with Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo their top targets. Zubimendi has been touted as a genuine alternative with back-up options a necessity for Mikel Arteta in the summer market.
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But prising Zubimendi away from La Real promises to be a big job given the reguality with which he has publicly stated his lack of desire to leave the LaLiga club.
“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.”