Martin Zubimendi ‘wants to play’ at Real Sociedad amid Arsenal and Manchester United links

Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil has “no doubt” that Martin Zubimendi wants to stay at the club.

Zubimendi has enjoyed another incredibly impressed season in midfield for Sociedad, who are set to finish in the top four in LaLiga and secure a return to the Champions League for the first time in almost a decade.

The Spanish side came up against Manchester United twice in the Europa League earlier this season and topped the group, but saw their European run come to an end against Roma, who face Sevilla in the final next week.

Zubimendi was linked with a move to the Premier League in January, though it was made clear to Arsenal and other interested clubs that his release clause of €60million, put into his contract after he signed a new deal in October, would have to be paid in full.

Barcelona and United have also been linked with the 24-year-old, though the midfielder in March emphasised he was “very happy” at Sociedad and did not intend to look for a move this summer.

That is a stance that has been reiterated by his manager, who remains confident that Zubimendi will be playing in the Champions League for the club next season.

“I know what he thinks and what he wants,” Alguacil told Marca. “And I have no doubt that Martin wants to play in the Champions League with us next year.

“Zubimendi has a contract with us. It’s the best place he can be and he wants to be with us.”