Martin Zubimedni transfer twist emerges amid Arsenal '£51m plan' and Man City & Liverpool 'interest'

Manchester City target Martin Zubimendi will not discuss his long-term future until the end of the La Liga season, it has been reported in Spain.

The Daily Mail reported on Tuesday that the Spanish international, who turned down a move to Liverpool in the summer, was on the verge of completing a move to Arsenal at the end of the campaign. The transfer was described as being at the advanced stages with a deal said to be “virtually completed.” The Gunners are keen to bring the Spaniard to North London this month but Sociedad are against the idea.

The midfielder has a release clause of £51m with Arsenal planning to formally meet that fee ahead of next season. However, Spanish newspaper AS has, as relayed by Liverpool World, suggested a transfer is not as close as claimed. It is reported that Zubimendi, who is out of contract in 2027, is ‘tired of so many rumours and gossip. Because at the moment there is nothing’. Zubimendi is said to be focused on the current season and is not interested about offers until the campaign concludes. Real Sociedad are seventh in La Liga, two points outside the European spots.

Man City interest

Following the serious ACL injury suffered by Rodri earlier this season, Zubimendi has been viewed as a suitable replacement in defensive midfield for Pep Guardiola’s side. City have endured a nightmare few months without Rodri and sit 12 points adrift of league leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand. Zubimendi has already displayed his credentials in stepping up to replace Rodri, having done so for Spain in the Euro 2024 final. Rodri was withdrawn at half time with Zubimendi introduced in his place as Spain went on to beat England 2-1 to clinch victory in Germany.

Following news of Rodri’s injury, City boss Guardiola said at the time: “He is strong, sad, of course, and waiting for the final decision of what he has to do. We don’t want it [the injury], but we will have a good season. I expect a lot from my players and I have a duty to find a solution even if Rodri is irreplaceable. When a team doesn’t play with the best midfielder in the world for a long, long time, it is a big blow. But it’s football. It happens. And it is my duty to find a solution, be competitive as we have been for many, many years and be there, be a problem for our opponents.”

Liverpool rejection

The Reds had agreed a deal with Sociedad in the summer to sign Zubimendi but the midfielder changed his mind about moving to Merseyside. Addressing the decision, he said previously: "They were uncomfortable moments for me, because, as is normal, people talk a lot. But, anyway, you think about the pros and cons, thinking about it carefully, and you come to the conclusion that, well, for me the best thing was to stay at Real.

"Each one also looks at their personal progress a little. Because of who I am, the project, and the importance that I was going to have this year, I think that I still had steps to take at Real. Yes, there are many variables that come into the equation, but the main one was, selfishly thinking, what was best for me. It is true that then there are those thoughts, but I tell you that I tried to be, although it may seem untrue, as selfish as possible, thinking about myself first and foremost, the best thing was to stay."