)
Martin Zubimendi turns down the chance to join Premier League leaders Arsenal in the January transfer window.
Arsenal were reportedly ready to trigger the release clause of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi. However, the player is said to be unwilling to leave Real Sociedad in the middle of the season.
Arsenal want Zubimendi
After failing to land prime transfer target Mykhailo Mudryk, Arsenal have completed the signings of Leandro Trossard from Brighton and Jakub Kiwior from Spezia and are in negotiations with Real Valladolid for Ivan Presneda.
The Premier League leaders are reported to also have la Reale's Martin Zubimendi on their shopping list.
)
Arsenal contacted the Spanish club to express their interest in the player, and they were referred to his €60 million release clause.
The Gunners were reportedly willing to trigger the said clause; however, upon speaking to the player, he informed them he was unwilling to make a move at this time, as he does not want to leave his club in the middle of the season, according to Cadena Ser.
Zubimendi is an integral part of La Reale's successes this season. The Basque club are currently enjoying a nine-game winning streak and a ten-game unbeaten run. They are currently third in LaLiga and are set for a Copa del Rey quarter-final date with Barcelona.
They also won their Europa League group, finishing ahead of Manchester United, which helped them book a direct spot into the Europa League knockout rounds without going through the playoffs.
Barcelona wanted Zubimendi
Barcelona have monitored the 23-year-old for a while now and had him slated as a possible long-term replacement for Sergio Busquets.
)
However, the state of their finances meant they could not pay his release clause. The Blaugrana still have the midfielder on their wishlist, and with their finances expected to improve in the summer, Arsenal could find themselves in competition for the defensive-midfielder.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)