Real Sociedad’s president has given Real Madrid renewed hope of beating Arsenal to the signing of Martin Zubimendi.
Arsenal appeared to be closing in on a £51 million deal for the Spanish midfielder, despite interest from La Liga giants Real Madrid.
Mikel Arteta is looking to strengthen his midfield options following Jorginho’s departure and the potential departure of Thomas Partey.
Arsenal began working on a deal for Zubimendi earlier in the year and have been prepared to match his £51m release clause.
A physical for the 26-year-old was reportedly scheduled at the Emirates Stadium, with Zubimendi appearing to be Arsenal’s first summer acquisition.
However, Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay claims Zubimendi has yet to decide on his future and has even invited the Spaniard to stay longer at the club.
Liverpool came close to acquiring Zubimendi last summer, but he turned down the new Premier League champions in favour of sticking.
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Sociedad’s Aperribay stated that there are’several’ clubs interested in Zubimendi and that his future would not be decided soon. Aperribay advised Zubimendi to approach the national team calmly and think about it before making a decision. “Clubs have asked us about him, but no player has told us they want to leave.”
‘We’ve told Martin to go to the national team calmly and to think about it,’ he told Spanish outlet ElDesmarque. ‘We’d like him to stay.
Erik Bretos, Real Sociedad’s new sporting director, expressed his desire for Zubimendi to stay at the club, stating, “He’s one of the best midfielders in the world, and I would love for him to always be at Real Sociedad.” Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid’s new manager, is also interested in the midfielder.
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