Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi plays down Arsenal, Barcelona rumours

The 24-year-old has spent his entire senior career with the San Sebastian outfit and has made a total of 138 appearances across all competitions since making his debut in 2016.

Zubimendi has developed into a first-team regular under manager Imanol Alguacil, playing in 39 games so far this season, and has caught the eye of a number of top European clubs ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.

A recent report claims that Arsenal are 'very close' to finalising a deal for Zubimendi, while Barcelona and Manchester United have also been credited with an interest.

However, Zubimendi is under contract at Real Sociedad until June 2027 and he has played down reports linking him with a summer departure.

Speaking to Marca, as quoted by journalist Fabrizio Romano, Zubimendi said: "I have never planned to leave Real Sociedad - I always say that. I love life here, at home, I'm so happy here.

"The values of this club are the same as mine so I feel very good, I always said that I'm happy."

Zubimendi comments come just a month after he insisted that he remains "very happy" at Real Sociedad and has "heard very little" about speculation surrounding his future.

Barcelona are understood to have identified Zubimendi as a potential replacement for Sergio Busquets, who announced on Wednesday that he will be leaving Camp Nou at the end of the season when his contract expires.

Head coach Xavi labelled Zubimendi "a great player" earlier this year but the prospect of Barca signing the Spaniard appears to be slim due to the club's ongoing financial concerns.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are expected to provide Mikel Arteta with funds to bolster the first-team squad this summer, with the addition of a new centre-midfielder believed to be high on their agenda.

Zubimendi is one of a number of midfielder on Arsenal's radar, and the Gunners are understood to have sent scouts to watch the Spaniard along with Sociedad teammate Robin Le Normand.

However, the Gunners are set to prioritise a big-money move for West Ham United's Declan Rice, who is valued in excess of £100m.

Man United are also in the market for a new midfielder and are said to be keeping tabs on Zubimendi, who has a €60m (£52.9m) release clause in his contract at the Reale Arena.