MX23RW : Wednesday, December 25 16:55:54| >> :120:35382:35382:

"I am happy" - Arsenal target reacts to transfer rumours

© Reuters
Arsenal transfer target Martin Zubimendi insists that he is "happy" at Real Sociedad amid uncertainty surrounding his future.

Martin Zubimendi has insisted that he is "happy" at Real Sociedad amid links with a potential move to Arsenal.

The midfielder rose through the youth ranks at the Basque club, before moving into the first-team setup to make his senior debut in April 2019.

Zubimendi has gone on to register a total of 187 competitive appearances and establish himself as a key part of the Real Sociedad squad.

The 25-year-old's importance to Imanol Alguacil's side is demonstrated by the fact that he has started 28 of the club's 32 La Liga matches this season.

Zubimendi, a Spain international, was also included in all eight of Real Sociedad's Champions League starting lineups before they were eliminated in the last 16 by Paris Saint-Germain.

Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi on November 29, 2023© Reuters

Zubimendi "happy" amid Arsenal links

Having impressed for his boyhood club, he is now being linked with a move away amid interest from the likes of Arsenal.

While he cannot give any assurances about his long-term future, Zubimendi is currently "happy" at Real Sociedad despite the rumours about a potential departure.

When asked about the speculation, Zubimendi told 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."

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta pictured on April 23, 2024© Reuters

Arsenal's hunt for midfield reinforcements

The Gunners have reportedly identified Zubimendi as a top target, with uncertainty surrounding the future of Jorginho, Mohamed Elneny and Thomas Partey.

As it stands, Jorginho and Elneny are both out of contract at the end of the season, while there has been a suggestion that Partey could be sold this summer.

However, Arsenal could face competition for Zubimendi, with Bayern Munich and Barcelona both showing an interest in the defensive midfielder.

Instead of solely focusing on signing Zubimendi, Arsenal are believed to be considering alternative targets, including Aston Villa's Douglas Luiz and Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes.

ID:542223:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4767:
Written by
Ben Sully

Click here for more stories about Martin Zubimendi

Click here for more stories about Arsenal

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi on November 29, 2023
Read Next:
Arsenal 'considering alternative midfield signings amid concerns over number one target'
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool16123137162139
2Chelsea17105237191835
3Arsenal1796234161833
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest179442319431
5Bournemouth178452721628
6Aston Villa178452626028
7Manchester CityMan City178362925427
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle177552721626
9Fulham176742422225
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton176742726125
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1772839251423
12Brentford177283232023
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd176472122-122
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham175572230-820
15Everton163761421-716
16Crystal Palace173771826-816
17Leicester CityLeicester173592137-1614
18Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1733112740-1312
19Ipswich TownIpswich172691632-1612
20Southampton1713131136-256


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!