Martin Zubimendi to Arsenal transfer latest: Player's stance, Real Madrid interest, release clause

Arsenal continue to be linked with a move for Real Sociedad Martin Zubimendi, who is a man in demand ahead of the summer. The Spanish midfielder was close to joining Liverpool last season, but he ultimately decided to stay put, remaining loyal to La Real.

This summer, things are likely to change, though, with Zubimendi expected to move on as interest ramps up in his services one year on from Real Sociedad allowing Mikel Merino to join Arsenal. Here we round up the latest in the transfer situation.

Latest report on Zubimendi’s future

The latest report on Zubimendi’s situation comes from Defensa Central, who claim the midfielder would love to play for Real Madrid amid reported interest from the La Liga giants. It’s reported the 26-year-old would prefer to remain in Spain despite interest from Arsenal.

The report comes months after claims Arsenal had agreed to pay £51million to sign the Euro 2024 winger, but those reports appear to have been wide of the mark, with the midfielder’s situation still very much open. Though, it seems like Arsenal will have to overcome a disadvantage if they and Real Madrid both push for a move this summer.

What Zubimendi has said

Zubimendi ended up turning down a move to Liverpool last summer, a move that could have yielded a Premier League title this season, not that he would have known that at the time.

But the 26-year-old is a conscientious character, and he told Marca a couple of weeks after rejecting the move: "My friends are clear that whatever I decide will be the best. There is no pressure whatsoever. Real Sociedad for me is my life, I think I have spent half my life there. A lot of what I am is part of La Real, it is my life."

What Alguacil has said about Zubimendi

La Real boss Imanol Alguacil said after Zubimendi’s big decision: "He has rejected an offer. There is no doubt that Liverpool are great and the fact that he has said no, putting in what they put in, is a reason to be proud.”

Zubimendi’s current contract

Arsenal already know they can activate the release clause in Zubimendi’s contract for around £50.1million, but as Liverpool found out, no transfer is a done deal until the player agrees to a move, and other clubs can always complicate things by also activating the clause.

The midfielder is under contract with Real Sociedad until 2027, and given his obvious ability and the fact he is yet to enter his prime years, La Real are not likely to accept any less than the release clause.

Will Arsenal sign Zubimendi?

The big question is whether Arsenal will feel they can commit as much as £50.1million for another midfielder having spent big to land Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino in recent years.

The Gunners have an obvious need for a reliable goalscorer up top, while they could also do with a winger to add more depth out wide. Big questions will be asked if Arsenal spend big on another midfielder and fail to add sufficient depth to the top end of the pitch.

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