Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil has admitted he fully expects Martin Zubimendi to remain at the club for next season, dealing Arsenal a transfer blow.

The Gunners have been heavily linked with a move for the midfielder within the last 18 months, though a deal has failed to materialise up until this point.

Mikel Arteta is expected to strengthen his squad again and could turn his attention to the 25-year-old, who is understood to also be a target for Barcelona.

football.london reported in 2023 that the Spaniard was being tracked by the Gunners ahead of the January window. The midfield department has been an area frequently linked with change, despite the arrival of Declan Rice last summer.

Everton midfielder Amadou Onana and Aston Villa's Douglas Luiz have been named as possible additions at Emirates Stadium as speculation swirls. Zubimendi signed an extension with Sociedad recently, however, scheduled keeping him at Sociedad until 2027.

Now admitting he expects Zubimendi to remain loyal to the club, Sociedad manager Imanol said: "There have been rumours about Zubi with many big teams. He is a great player; this year he showcased it in the Champions League. There has been a lot of talk for many weeks, it is good for the club and for the kid. Surely next year he will be here."

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Speaking in March of Arsenal's summer transfer plans, Arteta told reporters: "The plans that we have for the summer are very clear. They were done almost at the start of the season understanding what we can have, the contract situations with some players, and how we can improve certain areas of the team. This situation does not change that."