4 months ago
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Martin Zubimendi, one of Mikel Arteta’s top targets for the summer, has no interest in signing for Arsenal, according to reports.
Arsenal have long been tracking the Real Sociedad star, and were even tipped to sign him last summer before moving for Declan Rice instead.
Arteta is keen to add another defensive midfielder to his ranks, especially with Thomas Partey expected to leave, and Zubimendi’s reputation has only grown after another fine season in La Liga.
The 25-year-old’s performances have seen him named in Spain’s provisional squad for Euro 2024 alongside Gunners goalkeeper David Raya.
Barcelona have also been eyeing up his services and with a release clause of €60million (£51m), a transfer in the upcoming window seems a real possibility.
But if he does move, it now seems unlikely that the Emirates will be his destination, as Zubimendi has reportedly ruled out signing for Arsenal.
According to Spanish outlet Sport, he would only consider leaving Sociedad for one of Barcelona or Real Madrid, though it is possible that the former’s interest may waiver with the arrival of new manager Hansi Flick.
His predecessor Xavi was very keen on Zubimendi, but the German may have other targets in mind, including his former Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich.
It is also said that Arsenal will not ponder on this disappointing development for long and have alternative targets in mind including Benfica’s Joao Neves who has also been linked with Manchester United.
Everton’s Amadou Onana, Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes and Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz are also on the shortlist.
After coming agonisingly close to winning the Premier League this season, Arteta is looking to make several more big signings to get the Gunners over the line.
This includes RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, who, unlike Zubimendi, has reportedly told Arsenal he is ready to move to North London.
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