Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi breaks silence over his future

Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi has broken silence over his future at Real Sociedad.

The Spaniard is considered as one of the best defensive midfielders in La Liga and he has been fancied to move to a bigger European club for some period of time.

However, Zubimendi has repeatedly insisted that he is happy at his boyhood club and he has reiterated the same during a recent interview with Koora (via Marca).

He said: “They are just rumours, I am happy at Real Sociedad, it is like my home.”

“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. And I do not worry about those rumours.”

Arsenal are likely to invest on a new defensive midfielder this summer and it has been reported that Zubimendi continues to be highly regarded by manager Mikel Arteta.

The Spaniard has ‘strong support‘ from Arsenal’s recruitment team, but judging by his interview, a transfer may not be easy to pull off due to his apparent desire to stay.

There is currently a €60 million (£52m) release clause in his contract at the La Liga outfit. Even if the Gunners trigger the figure, a deal would depend on the stance of the 25-year-old.

If Arsenal don’t receive the green light in the coming weeks, they could turn their attention to alternative targets. Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes could be considered.

The midfielder is said to be keen on joining a club with a strong Brazilian connection, but he won’t come on the cheap. He has a £100m release clause valid from May 27 to June 23.