Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi makes Barcelona transfer decision with huge summer claim

Arsenal transfer news: Real Sociedad Martin Zubimendi continues to be linked with a move to Arsenal and Barcelona in the summer transfer window

The 24-year-old has been an ever-present in the Sociedad side that finished fourth in La Liga, securing a return to Champions League football for next season. It's the highest they've finished in ten years and only the second time they've broken into the top four since their promotion from the Segunda division.

Zubimendi has been in that conversation at times too, especially given his age, ability and the release clause in his contract that would make negotiations far easier. However, the move will always be down to the player, who has recently spoken out against links with a move to Barcelona.

When asked if he could potentially replace Sergio Busquets at the Camp Nou, he told El Diario Vasco: "Inheriting Asier Illarramendi's No.4 motivates me more than Sergio Busquets' No.5." That refers to earning the squad number of his midfield partner and teammate at Sociedad over being a successor to Busquets at Barca.

It underlines the pride many of the homegrown players at the club have for their team and the Basque country overall, with plenty of first-team stars breaking through from the academy. While it doesn't necessarily rule out a move for Zubimendi to Arsenal, his public ruling out of a move to Barcelona may not help their chances either.