Real Sociedad chief addresses Zubimendi transfer as Arsenal finalise £51m deal

Arsenal remain confident Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi will be joining the club in the summer transfer window in what would represent a major coup for boss Mikel Arteta

Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay has revealed Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi’s future will be resolved in June. The 26-year-old Spaniard rejected a move to Liverpool last summer but he’s now likely heading for the Premier League as the Gunners look ready to formally trigger his £51million release clause. Internally, Arsenal are operating with the belief that a deal for Zubimendi is as good as done, even if Real Madrid remain firm admirers of the player amid their interest in Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso. Alonso worked with Zubimendi during his time in charge of Real Sociedad B. Speaking to Radio Marca Donostia, Aperribay has now spoken out on Zubimendi’s future and while he did not disclose any details about a potential transfer to Arsenal, it appears Real Sociedad have now accepted that the Euro 2024 is set to move onto pastures new.

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Aperribay said: “We’ll see what happens. All I ask of him is one last effort to qualify for Europe and whatever happens, will happen in June. There’s no point in speculating now about whether he’ll be there. He’s had several opportunities to leave and he’ll make the decision he wants, because he’ll have more options.” When quizzed on whether there was any chance of Zubimendi signing fresh terms and staying put, Aperribay added: “I don’t remember our last conversation. When I talk to him, it’s more about goals, pushing… There’s one month left, and we’re playing against opponents who can beat us, but we can also beat them all. There are no easy or difficult matches. Martin is part of that. “I don’t know if it’s difficult for him to stay. We haven’t tried to raise the clause. Don’t think contracts are negotiated like that. It’s more a matter of willpower. If he wants to continue the conversation, it will last five minutes. I don’t know if it’s difficult.” In the past week, Real Sociedad head coach Imanol Alguacil announced he would be stepping down at the end of the season following a difficult campaign.

The Basque club are now facing an uphill battle to secure European qualification for next season and Zubimendi wants to play Champions League football. Sociedad have since announced that B team boss Sergio Francisco will be stepping up to replace Alguacil and it appears a summer rebuild is on the cards at the Reale Arena following the club’s Europa League exit at the hands of Manchester United. Arsenal’s pursuit of Zubimendi is not thought to be linked to the future of Thomas Partey with Arsenal in ongoing dialogue with the Ghanaian’s representatives over a possible contract extension. With Jorginho in line to depart Arsenal on a free transfer in late June, Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster his midfield options and he has personally pushed for Zubimendi’s signature as he is hugely fond of his compatriot’s qualities.

Zubimendi has also previously attracted interest from Manchester City.

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