‘I have no doubts’ - Arsenal and Barcelona receive Zubimendi update from Sociedad boss

Jacque Talbot

11 May 2024 10:30 CDT
3 min read

Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil has responded to the suggestion that Martin Zubimendi will leave the club in the forthcoming window, amid links to Arsenal and Barcelona.

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The midfielder is reportedly on the radar of both sides, who are looking to strengthen the No.6 position ahead of next season.

But the Spain international’s current boss has thrown doubt that his star player will be departing. Alguacil said: “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.”

The 25-year-old has featured regularly for the La Liga outfit in the current season, having appeared in 45 games across all competitions. In that time, he has scored four goals and provided one assist.

Arsenal are thought to have other targets that they could turn to instead of Zubimendi, however. Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes and Aston Villa's Douglas Luiz have been reported to be candidates for the club, too.

© IMAGO - Xavi Hernandez is thought to be a huge of Martin Zubimendi

How much will Martin Zubimendi cost?

Meanwhile Barcelona have made the defensive midfield position a priority in the summer transfer window, even though they will likely have to sell to buy.

The Catalans are huge admirers of Zubimendi and believe that he can be one of the best options for them during the window.

Current ETV

Martín Zubimendi

DM (CRL)

Real Sociedad

Martín Zubimendi

DM (CRL)

Real Sociedad

ETV Range

€32M - €53.4M

Despite the words of his manager, recent reports have suggested that Zubimendi’s representatives had met with Deco, Barcelona’s sporting director, over a proposed move.

Sociedad were not happy with the alleged meeting taking place, it is thought. The club are likely to ask for the entirety of his release clause - €60 million - to be met to allow him to leave, particularly as he has drawn interest from Bayern Munich and other elite European clubs for his showings this season.