Arsenal snubbed by top summer target

Cameron Smith

30 May 2024 06:45 BST
4 min read

Arsenal appear unlikely to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, despite their desire to purchase the Spain international.

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Zubimendi, 25, is one of Mikel Arteta’s key summer transfer targets as the Gunners look to sign a new defensive midfielder.

Although Jorginho has renewed his contract at the Emirates Stadium, Thomas Partey could leave the club amid interest from Turkish Super Lig side Fenerbahce, and Zubimendi has been identified as his perfect replacement.

However, while Arsenal are determined to sign the Spaniard, they are set to move onto other targets due to a lack of progress in recent weeks.

That is according to HITC, who have also reported that Zubimendi is not pushing to join the club.

Arsenal are reportedly willing to pay his €60 million release clause in full, but Zubimendi has not accepted the Gunners’ advances and looks set to favour a Real Sociedad stay.

Furthermore, his current boss Imanol Alguacil recently told Marca: “Martin Zubimendi wants to stay here and for sure he will stay with us at Real Sociedad next season.

“I have no doubts, he’s staying with us.”

Zubimendi made 45 appearances last campaign and will be hoping to star for Spain during the upcoming 2024 European Championship.

© IMAGO - Martin Zubimendi, Real Sociedad

Martin Zubimendi to stay at Real Sociedad

With Zubimendi set to snub interest from Arsenal to remain at La Real, Arteta’s side will be forced to look at alternatives.

FootballTransfers understands that Borussia Monchengaldbach’s Manu Kone has been scouted on numerous occasions by the north London club, while Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz is another key target.

However, the Brazilian is set to cost a fortune, with Villa unwilling to sell him as things stand.

Everton’s Amadou Onana and Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes also remain options, although Eddie Howe has repeatedly stated that Guimaraes isn’t for sale, while Arsenal are unlikely to trigger his €117.5m release clause.