Arsenal have reportedly suffered an early blow in their pursuit of a defensive midfielder, as one of Mikel Arteta's top targets has ruled out a switch to the Emirates Stadium.
The performances of Martin Zubimendi in the heart of the Real Sociedad engine room have attracted attention from across Europe, as the 25-year-old has played his part in making Imanol Alguacil's side Champions League regulars.
Zubimendi has contributed eight goals and seven assists from 188 matches in the blue and white strip, having come through the club's youth system to make a name for himself in La Liga.
The 2023-24 campaign was another productive one for the Spain international, who came up with four goals and one assist in 45 games and started eight matches in the Champions League as Sociedad reached the last 16.
Despite missing the end of the season with a hamstring injury, Zubimendi was called up to Spain's preliminary Euro 2024 squad, and a move away from Sociedad is still being strongly mooted.
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Zubimendi 'prefers Barcelona, Real Madrid moves'
Even though the midfielder's contract does not expire for another three years, a release clause of €60m (£51.2m) is apparently active, and such a price tag would not prove problematic for Arsenal.
However, Spanish outlet Sport claims that Zubimendi has no interest in joining the Gunners at this moment in time, and North London chiefs have resigned themselves to losing out on the Spaniard.
Instead, Zubimendi supposedly only wants to leave Sociedad if either Barcelona or Real Madrid come knocking, although the latter are not in the market for a new number six this summer.
Barcelona has been mooted as a potential destination for Zubimendi, as the Catalan giants are aiming to beef up their midfield ranks, but the sacking of Xavi and appointment of Hansi Flick could scupper the 25-year-old's Camp Nou switch.
The report adds that Barca are now prioritising a move for Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich, a stalwart of Flick's Bavarian team who has also been linked with Arsenal in recent months.
What Zubimendi alternatives can Arsenal target?
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If reports are to be believed, Zubimendi's transfer stance is a significant blow to Arsenal's early transfer plans, as their top alternative - Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes - will not arrive as cheaply.
The Gunners only have a month to trigger the £100m release clause in his Magpies contract but apparently have no interest in doing so, which could see them broaden their horizons in their Premier League-based search.
Aston Villa's Douglas Luiz is likely to command a similar fee, although Everton's Amadou Onana could be available for around the £50m mark as the Toffees desperately try to raise funds.
As Declan Rice flaunted his newfound attacking prowess as a number eight last term, Jorginho and Thomas Partey rotated in the deepest midfield role, and the former has signed a short-term contract extension.
However, Jorginho is not seen as a regular starter for the 2024-25 season, while Partey is out of contract in just over 12 months time and could be sold in the summer window.
