Real Sociedad’s club president, Jokin Aperribay, has spoken out about the future of Martin Zubimendi, amid links with a move to Arsenal and Real Madrid.
The midfielder has been highly coveted for some time now, becoming a standout option in La Liga as a number six, rotating the possession well for his team.
It’s an area the Gunners are looking to strengthen in, coming as little surprise that Arsenal have been linked with a transfer for Martin Zubimendi.
They aren’t alone, as Real Madrid also want Zubimendi to build their midfield around, creating something of a transfer battle this summer.
With the Spaniard in high demand, there is pressure on Real Sociedad regarding his future, which seems to be elsewhere.
Zubimendi’s release clause has played a part in that, with the club president speaking out on a potential move to Arsenal or elsewhere.
- READ MORE: Ian Wright defends ‘busy’ Arsenal star with Bukayo Saka comparison amid Champions League criticism
Real Sociedad club president admits Martin Zubimendi’s release clause hasn’t increased
With Arsenal set to enter the market for Martin Zubimendi, there has been plenty of discussion surrounding whether the midfielder will stay or leave Real Sociedad.
In his current deal, Zubimendi has a release clause that could see him leave for roughly £51million.
Before any deal could happen, though, Sociedad are battling for a place in next season’s European competitions.
They sit two points away from Europa Conference League qualification and four points off the Europa League.
When discussing the future of Zubimendi, and the rest of the league season, club president Jokin Aperribay told Radio Marca Donostia: “We’ll see what happens. All I ask of him is one last effort to qualify for Europe, and whatever happens, will happen in June.
“There’s no point in speculating now about whether he’ll be there. He’s had several opportunities to leave, and he’ll make the decision he wants, because he’ll have more options.
“I don’t remember our last conversation. When I talk to him, it’s more about goals, pushing… There’s one month left, and we’re playing against opponents who can beat us, but we can also beat them all. There are no easy or difficult matches. Martin is part of that.
“I don’t know if it’s difficult for him to stay. We haven’t tried to raise the [release] clause. Don’t think contracts are negotiated like that. It’s more a matter of willpower.
“If he wants to continue the conversation [at Real Sociedad], it will last five minutes. I don’t know if it’s difficult.”
It remains to be seen whether Zubimendi will join Arsenal, with the star seeming close, as per reports, but with plenty of time to change his mind.
Xabi Alonso wants Martin Zubimendi in surprise Real Madrid switch
Following Arsenal’s win over Real Madrid, some huge changes are set to come into action for the Spanish giants.
Carlo Ancelotti is set to leave Los Blancos, while reports state that Xabi Alonso is set to be appointed as his successor.
A report from AS states that the former midfielder is looking to create an overhaul, with Arsenal transfer target Florian Wirtz a top target.
Along with that is Zubimendi, which could be a move fast-tracked with the arrival of Alonso in the summer.
What that means for Arsenal is unclear, given the seemingly close deal that could go ahead this summer.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
