Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi is going to be one of the most sought-after midfielders this summer but it seems like his priority is to remain in the La Liga.
Premier League side Arsenal have been linked with the 25-year-old but as per reports, he prefers to join either Barcelona or Real Madrid over a move to the North London this summer.
Martin Zubimendi has come up through the ranks at Sociedad and since 2019, the central midfielder has played close to 200 games across all competitions. His importance in the team has risen in the previous couple of seasons and last campaign, he featured in 31 league games for the club with a rating of 7.2 out of 10.
Last season, he opted to remain at the club but his exit is more likely this summer particularly, with a €60 million release clause. Arsenal are ready to trigger that clause but as per reports, the midfielder wants to join one of the two giants of Spanish football.
Will Barcelona or Real Madrid want to sign Martin Zubimendi?
Real Madrid have never been directly linked with Zubimendi but now that they have lost Toni Kroos, the 25-year-old could be a likely replacement for the German international.
However, there have been no major reports that link Martin Zubimendi to Madrid and it’s highly unlikely that the Los Blancos will try and land him during the ongoing transfer window. They already have players like Camavinga and Tchouameni who play in the exact same roles as Zubimendi.
As for Barcelona, while they have shown an interest in the Sociedad man, the Catalans will not be able to pay the €60 million. According to a report from AS, Barca are not going to chase Martin Zubimendi because of his high transfer cost.
Also, Xavi was a big fan of the midfielder but now that Hansi Flick is the new manager, the club’s priorities seem to have changed.
Will the midfielder crush his dream and join Arsenal?
Unless something changes dramatically, Martin Zubimendi is not going to join Real Madrid or Barcelona before the 24/25 season.
Now, he could either remain at Real Sociedad for one more season or if he wants a fresh challenge then he will have to stop dreaming and choose a move to Arsenal.
The Gunners are losing Thomas Partey so Zubimendi can be the perfect replacement and at the Emirates Stadium, the midfielder will also get to play in the Champions League next season.
Other teams like Liverpool and Manchester United have also been linked with Martin Zubimendi in recent months but at the moment, Arsenal is his safest bet. The Spanish international claims he is calm about all the transfer rumours but even he has realised now that a move to Madrid or Barca is not going to happen.
