Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi admits he won't play his entire career at Real Sociedad as competition hots up for his signature.
The Spanish midfielder is very much on the Gunners' radar as they consider recruits in the middle of the park. Mikel Arteta has identified the 25-year-old as a player of interest and could be in the market for players of his ilk come the summer.
Part of Zubimendi’s appeal is the fact he has a €60million (£52.6m) release clause in his contract which can be triggered in the summer window. Arsenal know that Jorginho and Thomas Partey could both depart this summer, which would leave them seeking reinforcements.
Barcelona too are keen on the Spaniard as they begin plotting their summer business with Xavi now remaining at the helm. Their manager had signalled his desire to leave at the end of the season, but has since u-turned and is a big admirer of Zubimendi, who has discussed the prospect of a move away.
He told Spanish newspaper Marca : "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."
Zubimendi has added to his appeal by impressing this season in the Champions League, where Sociedad made the last 16 before they were knocked out by PSG. The La Liga outfit remain competitive this term and are poised to play in Europe once again next term.
Bayern Munich could yet enter the race with Zubimendi keen to eventually play under Xabi Alonso, who has coached him at Sociedad. Alonso has opted to remain with Bayer Leverkusen so the lure of a move to the Allianz Arena might not be what it would've been had he joined.
Arsenal, knowing the competition that exists in the race for Zubimendi, have also got other players on their radar. Aston Villa's Douglas Luiz has been a long-term target but the Midlands outfit are likely to dig their heels in as they look to retain the Brazilian.