Arsenal switch information: Real Sociedad chief offers Martin Zubimendi £51m deal date
Martin Zubimendi is expected to leave Real Sociedad at the end of the season with Arsenal ready to trigger his £51million release clause although Real Madrid are also interested
Real Sociedad’s president Jokin Aperribay has hinted that Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi could be on his way to the Premier League.
The 26-year-old Spanish midfielder turned down Liverpool and the chance to become a Premier League champion last year, but now seems set for a switch to the Gunners, who are believed to be on the verge of activating his £51million release clause.
Arsenal are reportedly confident internally that they’ll secure Zubimendi, despite Real Madrid’s interest and their connection to Xabi Alonso, who managed Zubimendi at Real Sociedad B and has been tipped to replace Carlo Ancelotti at the Bernabeu.
In an interview with Radio Marca Donostia, Aperribay didn’t give away much about a potential move to Arsenal, but suggested that Real Sociedad – slumped in 10th in La Liga – are bracing for Zubimendi’s departure this summer, reports the Mirror.
Aperribay said: “We’ll see what happens. All I ask of him is one last effort to qualify for Europe and whatever happens, will happen in June.
“There’s no point in speculating now about whether he’ll be there. He’s had several opportunities to leave and he’ll make the decision he wants, because he’ll have more options.”
When asked if the player might renew his contract, Aperribay said: “I don’t remember our last conversation. When I talk to him, it’s more about goals, pushing…
“There’s one month left, and we’re playing against opponents who can beat us, but we can also beat them all. There are no easy or difficult matches. Martin is part of that.”
He went on: “I don’t know if it’s difficult for him to stay. We haven’t tried to raise the clause. Don’t think contracts are negotiated like that.
“It’s more a matter of willpower. If he wants to continue the conversation, it will last five minutes. I don’t know if it’s difficult.”
Real Sociedad have felt the tremors of change with their head coach Imanol Alguacil’s announcement to depart after this season due to an especially challenging time.
With the pressing need to qualify for European football still in front of them, the situation becomes more complicated as Zubimendi eyes Champions League glory.
Following their Europa League defeat to Manchester United, Sociedad confirmed that B team manager Sergio Francisco will step up to fill Alguacil’s shoes, indicating possible sweeping changes at the Reale Arena come summer.
As for Arsenal, the interest in Zubimendi doesn’t hinge on Thomas Partey’s status at the club; talks with Partey’s representatives regarding a new deal are continuing independently.
As Jorginho is set to leave Arsenal on a free transfer at the end of June, Mikel Arteta is eager to strengthen his midfield. He has personally advocated for Zubimendi’s signing, as he greatly admires the skills of his fellow countryman.
Manchester City have also shown interest in Zubimendi in the past.
