Martin Zubimendi has made his feelings clear about a transfer to the Premier League. The 25-year-old midfielder was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal and Liverpool in the summer after catching eye at Euro 2024, but he decided to stay at Real Sociedad.

football.london understands that the Gunners have been long admirers of Zubimendi, who has a release clause worth €60million (£52.3million) in his contract. It's believed that Arsenal have been keeping tabs on the Spain international for over a year, with interest dating back to the summer of 2023.

Mikel Arteta is known to be a big fan, but he faces tough competition for Zubimendi's signature. According to Spanish newspaper Sport, the playmaker wants to finish the season at Real Sociedad before deciding on his future, when he meets his agent, Iñaki Ibáñez, in the summer.

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The report states that the Basque outfit has also ruled out his departure in the January transfer window. Sport claims that Zubimendi has also attracted interest from Manchester City, while Liverpool remains keen and Real Madrid mustn't be 'overlooked'.

When quizzed on his decision to stay at his boyhood club in August, Zubimendi told the Spanish press: "I didn't have any pressure from my close circle. My friends are clear that whatever I decide, it will be the best. There is no pressure at all. Real Sociedad for me is my life, I think I've been in there for half my life. A lot of what I am is part of Real, it's my life."

In October, Zubimendi insisted that he didn't regret snubbing Liverpool. He told Noticias De Gipuzkoa: "My philosophy is to do at home at all times what comes from within. So far it has worked out well for me. It is true that there was a lot of noise.

"I went through uncomfortable moments. The best thing for me was to stay here and I am happy and at peace. Because of the press there is a lot of noise but, in the end, everything is easier than all that. Of course, I don't regret it, I can't think that after four or five games at the start of the season.

"I made my decision from within, I thought it was the best thing to do, the results don't affect me. I see potential in this team, you just have to watch us train and I'm excited about having a good season."

Then, during the November international break, Zubimendi claimed that he's still happy at Real Sociedad. As quoted by Estadio Desportivo, he said: "There will always be rumours and there is again now that the month of January is approaching, but I don’t waste energy on the noise outside. I’m happy with how I’m handling it and I’m going to take it."

After facing so many questions on his future in recent months, Sport said Zubimendi 'doesn't understand why his name appears so much in the English media'. That said, the Spanish newspaper claims that the midfielder has 'never hidden his preference' to test himself in the Premier League.