Real Sociedad star rubbishes Arsenal links

Zubimendi was the subject of transfer speculation in the January window and Premier League leaders Arsenal were reportedly prepared to trigger the release clause in his contract.

However, the Spanish midfielder preferred to remain in Sociedad until the summer.

Arsenal are not the only team interested in Zubimendi.

Barcelona are long-term admirers of the 24-year-old, but the player insisted that he was not interested in leaving Real Sociedad during the middle of the season and has claimed he is expecting a “calm summer”.

“Rumours, rumours,” Zubimendi said in an interview with Spanish news outlet Sport, when asked if there was any truth in the links to a move to Arsenal last January. 

“Because I told my representative that I didn’t want to listen to anything, much less in winter.

“Leaving Real Sociedad behind with the season that we’re having would be illogical. Here I’m very happy.

“I’m expecting a calm summer.

“Beyond the release clause, when someone wants to be at a club, the clause doesn’t matter.”

Zubimendi is enjoying an impressive season in La Real colours and has featured 33 times in all competitions in 2022-23.