Arsenal dealt blow as long-term target Martin Zubimendi staying at Real Sociedad 'for sure'

Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil is confident the club can keep Arsenal transfer target Martin Zubimendi.

The Spanish international is of long-standing interest to the Gunners but the club had harboured concerns about a move this summer.

Barcelona and Bayern Munich are also interested in the 25-year-old but the midfielder has so far been reluctant to leave his boyhood club.

Zubimendi is keen to play under Xabi Alonso, who coached him during his time in charge of Sociedad’s B team.

Had Alonso joined Bayern this summer, Zubimendi was expected to follow but the Bayer Leverkusen manager opted to stay put.

It is unclear what Zubimendi’s next move will be but Imanol is confident he will stay for at least another season.

“Martin Zubimendi wants to stay here and for sure he will stay with us at Real Sociedad next season,” he said.

“I have no doubts, he’s staying with us”.

Last month, Zubimendi told Marca: “They are just rumours, I am happy at Real Sociedad, it is like my home.

"I cannot say that I will play my entire career at Real Sociedad, perhaps the club won’t want me to continue in the future. But I do not concern myself with these rumours.”

Standard Sport understands Arsenal are hoping to sign at least one midfielder this summer.

Brazilian internationals Bruno Guimaraes and Douglas Luiz have been on their radar but current clubs Newcastle and Aston Villa are reluctant to sell.

Guimaraes, however, does have a release clause in his contract at St James’ Park believed to be worth around £100m, although it is thought that it is only active between the end of May and the end of June.

Arsenal have tied Jorginho down to a new deal but both Mohamed Elneny – who will be out of contract at the end of the season – and Thomas Partey are attracting interest from Saudi Arabia.