Arsenal are reportedly ready to abandon their pursuit of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi due to stalled negotiations. The Spanish player has been strongly linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium and is believed to be Mikel Arteta’s primary target for the upcoming summer transfer window.
Despite interest in a January transfer, Zubimendi remained in Spain. However, there were reports that a deal could be finalised ahead of next season as Arteta aims to strengthen his midfield for another Premier League title challenge.
Arsenal are known to be big fans of Zubimendi, but they may withdraw from negotiations unless progress is made soon. According to HITC, the deal has been on hold in recent weeks, with Arsenal becoming increasingly frustrated over the lack of advancement in discussions with the player’s representatives.
It’s understood that Zubimendi is still at the top of Arteta’s wishlist, with the Arsenal boss firmly believing the midfielder would seamlessly slot into the squad for the upcoming campaign. The Gunners are apparently ready to trigger his £51million release clause, yet Zubimendi hasn’t signalled a definitive yes to the switch.
Arsenal are keen to finalise the deal swiftly and have made it clear to the player that they’ll look elsewhere if an agreement isn’t reached soon. Last month, Zubimendi downplayed the transfer talk in an interview with Marca, saying, “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 won’t want me to continue in the future, but I do not concern myself with these rumours,” reports the Express.
