Zubimendi addresses Arsenal links as Man Utd target lined up as Plan B

Tom Weber

• Updated: 26 Apr 2024 09:31 BST
• 4 min read

Martin Zubimendi has admitted that he can't guarantee that he will stay at Real Sociedad his entire career.

The Spain international is one of Europe's most in-demand midfielders ahead of the summer transfer window. Having played Champions League football with boyhood club Real Sociedad this season, many believe that it is time for the 25-year-old to take the next step in his career.

Arsenal hold a long-standing interest in the Basque, who hails from San Sebastian just like Gunners boss Mikel Arteta. FootballTransfers has exclusively reported that the midfielder is one of Arsenal's top targets this summer.

However, we were also able to reveal that Liverpool are keen on securing his signature, while German media has insisted that Bayern Munich are attracted to the player as well, though their chances of landing him are believed to have taken a massive hit due to Xabi Alonso's decision to stay at Bayer Leverkusen rather than heading to Munich.

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Speaking to MARCA, Zubimendi has now addressed the rumours, reiterating that he is very happy at Real Sociedad, which has always been the biggest concern to his suitors. It is still unclear whether he has any intention to actually leave the club he has supported since he was a child.

"They are just rumours, I am happy at Real Sociedad, it is like my home," he said. "I cannot say that I will play my entire career at Real Sociedad, perhaps the club does not want me to continue in the future. But I do not worry about those rumours."

Arsenal's Plan B

Perhaps due to the uncertainty over Zubimendi's willingness to move, Arsenal are thought to be lining up a potential alternative. Footmercato claims that the Gunners have begun taking a keen interest in Youssouf Fofana of Monaco.

The France international recently postponed PSG's Ligue 1 title celebrations - albeit likely only by a few days - by scoring the winner over Lille and interest in his services is ramping up ahead of the summer, with Man Utd said to be keen on him.

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The 25-year-old was already heavily linked with a move last summer and it is expected that he will finally leave this year after taking his game to a new level under Adi Hutter. Fofana has become a very good box-to-box midfielder and is out of contract in 2025, increasing the chances of a summer exit.