Transfer Centre

Arsenal-linked Martin Zubimendi sends fresh transfer message

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 19 June 2024

Midfield partner for Rice? Arsenal-linked Zubimendi addresses transfer talk

Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who continues to be linked with Arsenal, says that he is not currently thinking about his future at club level.

Martin Zubimendi has said that he is not currently thinking about his future at club level, with the midfielder fully focused on helping Spain in their quest to win Euro 2024.

The 25-year-old was again in impressive form for Real Sociedad during the 2023-24 campaign, and it is understood that a number of clubs are considering making a move for him this summer.

Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Barcelona are among the clubs to previously been linked with the midfielder, but it is thought that the strongest interest is arriving from Arsenal.

There is a €60m (£50.7m) release clause in his deal with Real Sociedad, and it is widely thought that he will be on the move before the end of the summer transfer window.

However, Zubimendi has said that the talk surrounding his future can wait, as he has no other thoughts at this moment other than helping Spain compete for the European Championship title.

Colombia's Jhon Arias in action with Spain's Martin Zubimendi and Lamine Yamal on March 22, 2024 © Reuters

Zubimendi focusing on Spain amid transfer talk

The midfielder, as expected, was confirmed in Luis de la Fuente's final squad for Euro 2024.

Zubimendi was introduced as a late substitute in Spain's 3-0 success over Croatia in their opening match of the tournament.

"I mainly look for the benefit of the national team, I am not thinking about what I can win in this European Championship," Zubimendi told reporters.

"All my energy is focused on the group, on winning it, and the individual will be a consequence of all this that will come later. I'm not thinking about this now."

Zubimendi also insisted that he is fully aware of his role in the current set-up, with starts at the tournament going to be difficult due to the fact that he is behind Rodri in the pecking order.

Atletico Madrid's Koke in action with Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi on October 8, 2023 © Reuters

Arsenal are said to be keen on Zubimendi

"I am aware of where I am, where I come from, what players I have ahead of me," he added. "What is up to me and what is in my hands is to prepare as best as possible and when it is my turn to be at 100%.

"I have assumed my role quite well. Rodri is the best in the world in his position.

"A European Championship is not about focusing on individual things. I have to contribute everything I can from wherever I am and do everything I can to do it. When I can contribute, do it to the best of my ability."

Spain will be bidding to make it successive wins at Euro 2024 when they continue their campaign against Italy on June 20, before finishing their group stage against Albania on June 24.

Zubimendi came through the youth system at Real Sociedad, and he has represented his Basque outfit on 188 occasions in all competitions, scoring eight goals and registering seven assists in the process.