Blow for Arsenal & Barcelona? Real Sociedad confirm transfer plans for coveted midfielder Martin Zubimendi

The Premier League and the Catalan giants have been interested in signing the Spanish midfielder for a long time, however, Real Sociedad are confident that they could retain the player's services beyond the 2023-24 season.

Speaking on Zubimendi's future at the club, Real Sociedad boss Imanol Alguacil told reporters: "Martin Zubimendi wants to stay here and for sure he will stay with us at Real Sociedad next season. I have no doubts, he’s staying with us."

The 25-year-old has featured regularly for the Spanish side in the current season, having appeared in 45 games across all competitions where he has scored four goals and provided one assist. While his future remains uncertain, the Gunners have shortlisted alternative names they could turn to, with Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes and Aston Villa's Douglas Luiz on their radar.

He will be next seen in action on Monday as Real Sociedad take on Barcelona in La Liga at the Montjuic Stadium.