Real Sociedad sporting director Roberto Olabe has confidently revealed that he expects in-demand midfielder Martin Zubimendi to stay at San Sebastian despite tRANSFER interest from a host of Premier League clubs.
ArsenalManchester City and Liverpool have all been credited with casting an admiring glance at Zubimendi's direction. Arne Slott's Premier League leaders came closest to winning the Euro 2024 title in the summer just for the 25-year-old. choose against a departure from his childhood club.
Zubimendi was reportedly settled at City's Shortlist of January transfer targetswhile Arsenal are also thought to be monitoring the hugely talented player who boasts a relatively modest €60m (£50m) release clause.
Every La Liga player must have a release clause in his contract, but it can technically only be activated by the individual concerned. This puts all the power in the hands of the player.
Olabe is adamant that Zubimendi will not push for a move in the upcoming winter window.
“There is a bit of calm about the clauses, but all this time Martin himself has shown us that the above clauses are goals,” said the sports director to the gathered media.
“Until today we have already seen the behavior that has been demonstrated, I do not foresee that we will be afraid in January.”
Whether Zubimendi will continue at La Real until the start of next season is much less certain. Olabe, for what it's worth, will have moved on. The highly regarded sporting director will leave his post in June and is thought to be one Arsenal target.