23 March 2023 , 00:46
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Martin Zubimendi remains adamant he will not leave Real Sociedad for Arsenal in the summer after the Gunners' unsuccessful pursuit in January.
The Spanish midfielder was among a number of targets eyed up by the Gunners, whose manager Mikel Arteta spent part of his playing career with Zubimendi's current club Real Sociedad. He eventually stayed in the Basque Country, though, with Arsenal instead making a late move for Jorginho.
Zubimendi has been asked again about those links, suggesting he has no plans to leave Anoeta any time soon. However, if he were forced to leave, his comments about Xavi suggest Barcelona may be a more likely destination.
"Rumours, rumours, because I told my manager that I didn't want to hear anything, especially in winter," Zubimendi told Sport when asked about the Arsenal links. "Leaving Real Sociedad aside with the season we are having would be illogical. Here I am very happy.
"I look forward to a quiet summer," the 23-year-old added. He has already made more than 100 top-flight appearances in Spain, and is closing in on 150 games in all competitions for his club side.
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Real Sociedad sit fourth in La Liga, with Champions League qualification a real possibility for Imanol Alguacil's side. There was also still a chance of Europa League glory until recently, with La Real topping their group, but they were eliminated by Roma in the round of 16.
Should Arsenal try to come back in for Zubimendi? Have your say in the comments section
Martin Zubimendi has impressed for Real Sociedad (Gregorio Borgia/AP/REX/Shutterstock)While the midfielder looks set to stay put, he remains an admirer of Xavi. The Barcelona manager, who won the World Cup and European Championships as a player with Spain, is on the verge of his first domestic title since taking over at Camp Nou.
"That people like Xavi, who have won everything, who are one of those who know the most, talk about me is already a reason to be happy," Zubimendi said. "Beyond that, it would be illogical not to think about anything other than Real Sociedad, we are having a great season and I am very happy."
Another man linked with Arsenal in January was Brighton star Moises Caicedo. However, the Ecuadorian appeared to make clear a desire to stay where he is by signing a new deal with the Seagulls in early March.
"This is a fantastic news for the club, our fans, for me and most importantly for Moises," Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi said of the new deal. "It will make us stronger as we move forward towards our targets on the pitch."
Arsenal, who currently hold an eight point lead in the Premier League title race, are due to take on Caicedo's Brighton in May. That game could end up being crucial if Arteta is to end the campaign as a title winner, as could the April match against second-place Manchester City.