Martin Zubimendi snubs Arsenal: Instant reaction as transfer on hold
01/24/2025 03:30 PM
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has claimed Martin Zubimendi has snubbed a January move to Arsenal as he wants to “pay back” boyhood club Real Sociedad.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, the 67-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – insisted the “strong family feel” at the San Sebastian club, who also produced Mikel Arteta, means the 25-year-old will be reluctant to leave mid-season.
It has been widely reported that Arsenal will sign Spain international Zubimendi in the upcoming summer window.
The midfielder has a release clause worth £51million in his contract with Real Sociedad, where he has made 212 appearances since emerging from the youth ranks.
Zubimendi will reunite with Mikel Merino at Arsenal after the Gunners prised him away from the Basque club last summer (2024).
Zubimendi wants to ‘pay Real Sociedad back’ before Arsenal move, says Wyness
Wyness claimed the chance to link up with San Sebastian-born Arteta will be a “big pull” for the 25-year-old.
He told Football Insider's Insider Track podcast: "They'd want him in January, as soon as possible.
"But the player doesn't want to come until the summer.
"Real Sociedad in San Sebastian, that's where Mikel Arteta is from. I believe him and Zubimendi come from almost the same town.
"That's the pull for the player, he's had a lot of suitors. He's a high-quality player.
"There's a strong family feel at Real Sociedad, and that will be part of the reason he will only come in the summer.
"He wants to pay back the club for what they've done for him.
"They are sons of the area."
In other news, Benjamin Sesko “gentleman's agreement” emerges as Arsenal deal accelerates.
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The post Martin Zubimendi snubs Arsenal: Instant reaction as transfer on hold appeared first on Football Insider.
