Arsenal REJECTED by La Liga star after €60m bid

Robin Bairner

25 Jan 2023 07:54 GMT
3 min read

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal, 2022/23 — © ProShots

Arsenal have suffered a January transfer window setback with the news that their hopes of landing a player dubbed the ‘next Sergio Busquets’ have been dashed for the moment.

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Mikel Arteta’s side have had a mixed window to date. After missing out on Mykhailo Mudryk to Chelsea, they have successfully captured Brighton’s Leandro Trossard and Spezia defender Jakub Kiwior, but it appears that they are poised to miss out on another leading target.

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Arsenal have been known to want to reinforce their midfield options, and to that end they had turned towards Real Sociedad player Martin Zubimendi – only for the once-capped Spain international to reject the opportunity to move to the Premier League leaders.

According to Cadena SER, the Gunners triggered talks with the player after agreeing to pay his €60 million release clause. The 23-year-old, though, turned down the opportunity to make a switch to the Emirates Stadium.

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Why Zubimendi rejected Arsenal

Zubimendi, who is rated as a €25m player by FootballTransfers, with that low valuation coming in part because of his recent injury problems, does not want to leave Real Sociedad at this point in the season.

Give the strong season that La Real are enjoying, that is perhaps an understandable stance for him to take.

Sociedad are third in La Liga and on course to qualify for the Champions League. This would be their best finish for 20 years if they are able to maintain this level.

Given that Zubimendi has been with the club since he was 12, it is understandable that he would wish to see out the season with the club.

Come the summer, Arsenal may face a fight to lure Zubimendi away from Real Sociedad if they qualify for the Champions League, and the prospect of a move will become altogether better if they miss out on the top four – something that looks unlikely given the La Liga table presently.