ARSENAL want to pay the £52.5million release clause for Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi but the player look set to decline the transfer, according to reports.
The defensive midfielder is supposedly against leaving the LaLiga side while the season is ongoing.
Zubimendi signed a five-year deal at the club in October 2022.
The 23-year-old refused to raise his release clause to £79m despite the club’s wishes, fuelling speculation a transfer could happen.
Zubimendi has come through the ranks at Real Sociedad, only ever playing for them.
The White and Blues are third in the table, just three points behind first place Barcelona, while the club are still going strong in the Europa League.
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And Zubimendi has been in impressive form this campaign, playing 22 times and contributing with two assists and a goal.
His performances have also seen him linked with Barca and Manchester United.
They are desperate to replace Sergio Busquets with the 34-year-old’s deal set to expire at the end of this season.
Arsenal are looking to strengthen their midfield options as they look to stay ahead of Manchester City in the race for the title.
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They are also in for Declan Rice, yet West Ham would not let their captain leave this month and could reportedly demand £100m for him.
The Gunners have already snapped up Brighton attacker Leandro Trossard for £27m after he had a falling out with manager Robert De Zerbi.
Arsenal beat their bitter rivals Tottenham in the race to buy the Belgian as they did not bid enough.
And Mikel Arteta is aiming to do more business this January with centre-back Jakub Kiwior spotted at an Italian airport ahead of a proposed £17.5m switch from Spezia.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
