Latest news with #Zubimendi
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
🎥Aperribay confirms talks with Zubimendi
The president of Real Sociedad confessed that he has been advised to think about his future. It's one of the soap operas without the summer having started, but Zubimendi's future is increasingly far from Real, despite Aperribay's attempts. Advertisement As of today, he acknowledges that there are conversations and that he has been advised to think carefully about the decision he may make. The Premier perhaps? This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here. 📸 Angel Martinez - 2025 Getty Images


Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Real Sociedad chief urges Martin Zubimendi to SNUB Arsenal - as Spaniard 'gets set for Gunners medical ahead of £51m move'
Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay has played down speculation surrounding Martin Zubimendi's pending move to Arsenal. The Gunners have been heavily linked with a move for Zubimendi, who has a reported release clause of £51million, in recent months, and reports earlier this week claimed the midfielder was set for a medical. All payment structures regarding a deal for the 26-year-old are said to have been agreed and Zubimendi is expected to become Mikel Arteta 's first signing of the summer. However, Sociedad chief Aperribay has now addressed the situation publicly and appeared to cast doubt on Zubimendi's move to the Emirates. 'Zubimendi is the only player we've spoken to,' he told reporters. 'Clubs have asked us, but no player has told us they want to leave.' 'We've told Martin to go to the national team calmly, to think about it, and we'd like him to stay. 'We know there are several options. Something may come to fruition or not... I don't see it happening in the short term. We don't see it that way, so we have to wait and see.' A product of Sociedad's youth system, Zubimendi has gone on to play 236 times for the club, while he has represented Spain on 17 occasions. He has long been regarded as one of the best midfielders in LaLiga and last summer was close to joining Liverpool, who came in for him after he helped Spain to win Euro 2024. However, Zubimendi ultimately decided to stay at Sociedad after his boyhood club attempted to change his mind. Despite Aperribay's comments, Zubimendi is still expected to join Arsenal, where he will reduce their reliance on Thomas Partey, who is in talks over a new contract. This viewpoint was echoed by incoming Sociedad sporting director Erik Bretos, although he insisted the club do not have to sell the 26-year-old. 'I would love for him to stay at Real Sociedad for a lifetime, but at the same time, since he's so good, our duty in that case is to be prepared in case he ever leaves Real Sociedad,' he said. 'But I would also like to remember a little about what happened with him here last summer, and for me at least, it's something that will always stay with me and for which I will always be grateful. 'Sociedad have become strong in doing things well and not needing to sell. From what the board and the president tell me, that's the situation right now. 'What we're very clear about is that we want to improve the team, and we're clear that we'll be able to do so.' Meanwhile, although Sociedad have claimed they don't need to sell this summer, they endured a difficult campaign in 2024-25. Imanol Alguacil's side, who were knocked out of the Europa League by Man United in the last-16 stage, finished 11th in LaLiga, 24 points off the top five, meaning the Basque outfit won't play in Europe for the first time in six seasons in 2025-26.


Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Arsenal face nervous wait as Real Sociedad look to repeat Martin Zubimendi trick
Arsenal are front-runners in the race to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi for £51m but there is still time for a spanner to be thrown into the works Arsenal's move for Martin Zubimendi has long looked like a matter of when rather than if. However, the same was true of Liverpool's pursuit of the Real Sociedad star, and his current club are aiming to repeat the move which served them well last summer. After staying in San Sebastian to play for La Real in the Champions League, Zubimendi had looked destined for an Anfield switch. After a last-ditch plea from manager Imanol Alguacil, though, he decided to stay put. This time it's president Jokin Aperribay, rather than Alguacil, making a last-ditch attempt to keep the star around. They're ready to pay £51m for the Spain international, with reports earlier this week indicating he will undergo a medical before signing. Zubimendi will meet up with his international colleagues in June, after being named in Luis de la Fuente's squad for the UEFA Nations League semis and - if they beat France - the final. And, if Arsenal don't complete a deal before then, Aperribay has urged the 26-year-old to take his time over the decision. 'We've told Martin to go to the national team calmly, to think about it, and we'd like him to stay," Aperribay is quoted as saying by El Desmarque (via Sport Witness)."We know there are several options. Something may come to fruition or not… I don't see it happening in the short term. We don't see it that way, so we have to wait and see.' Back in 2024, Alguacil appealed to Zubimendi's emotions in an effort to convince him to stay. The boss is understood to have reminded the midfielder of the beautiful Basque Country and the local cuisine, and that played a part in helping keep the player at his boyhood club. ' Liverpool is a historic and great club and the fact a player like Martin said 'no' is a reason to be proud," Alguacil later said (via Relevo) 'That means that things are being done well at the club." While Zubimendi stayed, other key men did not. his former team-mate Mikel Merino joined Arsenal last summer, while Robin Le Normand made a big-money move to Atletico Madrid. Alguacil's side were unable to keep up their high standards, slumping to an 11th-place finish in La Liga. They also saw their Europa League dreams crushed by Manchester United, as Bruno Fernandes scored a hat-trick to complete a 6-3 aggregate win. It still looks more likely than not that this will be the summer where Zubimendi leaves. However, it appears his club won't give up hope until the deal is official. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.


Metro
4 days ago
- Sport
- Metro
Concern for Arsenal as Real Madrid given fresh hope of signing £51m star
Real Madrid have been given fresh hope of beating Arsenal to a deal for Martin Zubimendi by Real Sociedad's president. Arsenal appeared to be closing in on a £51m move for the Spanish midfielder despite interest from La Liga giants Real Madrid. Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster his midfield options following the departure of Jorginho and potential exit of Thomas Partey. Arsenal began working on a deal for Zubimendi earlier in the year and have been prepared to meet his £51m release clause. A medical for the 26-year-old was even said to be booked in at the Emirates Stadium, with Zubimendi seemingly set to become Arsenal's first summer signing. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. But Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay claims Zubimendi is yet to make a decision on his future and even welcomed the Spaniard to extend his stay at the club. Liverpool came close to signing Zubimendi last summer but he ended up rejecting the new Premier League champions in favour of staying put. Sociedad chief Aperribay also hinted there were 'several' clubs interested in Zubimendi and suggested his future would not be decided any time soon. 'We've told Martin to go to the national team calmly and to think about it,' he told Spanish outlet ElDesmarque. 'We'd like him to stay. 'Clubs have asked us about him, but no player has told us they want to leave. We know there are several options. 'Something may come to fruition or not… I don't see it happening in the short term. We don't see it that way, so we have to wait and see.' Real Sociedad's new sporting director Erik Bretos added: 'I would love for him to stay at Sociedad, and our duty is to find solutions in case he leaves. 'He's one of the best midfielders in the world, and I would love for him to always be at Real Sociedad.' Real Madrid could look to revive their interest in Zubimendi, with new boss Xabi Alonso keen to see the midfielder arrive at the Bernabeu. As well as signing a new midfielder, Arteta is keen to welcome a new striker and winger to the Emirates Stadium this summer after Arsenal went a fifth successive season without a trophy. More Trending Not everyone is convinced Zubimendi is the right fit for Arsenal, however, with Paul Scholes recently questioning the transfer move. 'What hole is Martin Zubimendi going to fill? I don't see a hole there,' the ex-Manchester United and England midfielder said on The Overlap. 'I think Declan Rice can do that role [defensive midfielder]. Everyone seems to see Rice as more of an attacking player, I don't see that in him at all. I don't see it in him. 'I saw Zubimendi against United for Sociedad and I wasn't impressed. That's maybe where I'm coming from in terms of doubting he can fill that hole.' For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Newcastle United set to beat Arsenal to £21m transfer 'in the coming days' MORE: Chelsea expected to make move for Real Madrid star after Liam Delap deal MORE: Manchester United in talks to sign Victor Osimhen as Napoli demand player plus £33m


The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Mystery over Martin Zubimendi's Arsenal transfer as £51m target appears to deny medical claims in Instagram post
MARTIN ZUBIMENDI appears to have denied claims he is undergoing a medical at Arsenal. Advertisement 3 Martin Zubimendi is expected to complete an Arsenal medical in the coming days Credit: Getty 3 The midfielder shared a snap of himself surfing Credit: instagram @martin_zubimendi 3 The Spaniard appears to still be in San Sebastian Credit: instagram @martin_zubimendi The transfer has been at an advanced stage ever since and the final details are expected to be completed shortly. That includes a medical, with reports this week claiming he was set to Zubimendi, 26, appeared to react to those claims with his latest Instagram post. The midfielder shared a couple of snaps from the beach including one of himself in a wetsuit, surfboard in hand. Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL Spanish outlet Despite that, senior Arsenal figures expect the deal to be completed swiftly. Personal terms and the relevant documents have already been signed and agreed, as well as the payment structure around the Spaniard's release clause. So all that is left is a medical - once that is complete he will be announced as a Gunners player. Advertisement Most read in Football Exclusive BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates He will provide depth to a midfield that has already lost veteran next month. Zubimendi is highly rated by Arteta, who convinced the Euro 2024 winner of the North London project after he turned down a switch to Arne Slot's Liverpool last summer . Advertisement Thierry Henry hits out at Mikel Arteta as trophyless Arsenal are shown up by 'the Man Utd that everyone laughs at' It is the start of a huge summer of incomings for Arsenal as they prepare to splash around £200m on new talent to fire them to Premier League glory next term.