Martin Zubimendi sends new transfer message to Arsenal as Edu eyes £51m deal

Arsenal-linked midfielder Martin Zubimendi has said that he is not thinking about his future with his full concentration on the European Championships.

The 25-year-old has caught the eye with his performances for Real Sociedad over the last couple of seasons, leading to him being called up to Spain’s squad for this summer’s tournament. football.london reported last year that the player was being tracked by Arsenal ahead of the transfer window in 2024.

It has been reported that the Gunners remain ‘very interested’ in the player in the current transfer window with Mikel Arteta a keen admirer of Zubimendi, who is reported to have a €60m (£50.7m) release clause in his contract. The Arsenal boss will be able to keep a close eye on him when Spain take on Italy in their second game of the tournament on Thursday.

Ahead of that match, the player himself was asked if the tournament was the chance to impress any clubs showing an interest in the transfer window. “I mainly look for the benefit of the national team, I am not thinking about what I can win in this European Championship,” he said.

“All my energy is focused on the group, on winning it, and the individual will be a consequence of all this that will come later. I’m not thinking about this now.”

The midfielder was a late substitute in Spain’s opening game against Croatia on Saturday. He finds himself behind Manchester City’s Rodri in the pecking order and understands that he has to show patience.

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“I am aware of where I am, where I come from, what players I have ahead of me,” he said. “What is up to me and what is in my hands is to prepare as best as possible and when it is my turn to be at 100 percent.

“I have assumed my role quite well. Rodri is the best in the world in his position.

“A European Championship is not about focusing on individual things. I have to contribute everything I can from wherever I am and do everything I can to do it. When I can contribute, do it to the best of my ability.”