Martin Zubimendi has revealed he turned down a January move to Arsenal because it would have been ‘illogical’ to leave Real Sociedad mid-season.
The Premier League leaders were desperate to reinforce their options in central midfield during the transfer window in an effort to provide competition and back-up for the likes of Granit Xhaka and .
Mikel Arteta’s need for reinforcements was exacerbated by a serious injury sustained by Mohamed Elneny, while a series of disappointing performances led the Arsenal manager to sanction Albert Sambi Lokonga’s loan move to .
emerged as Arsenal’s No.1 target but Brighton were unwilling to sell the Ecuador international and rejected two offers in the region of £70million for the all-action midfielder.
, but the 24-year-old had little intention of leaving the Basque club.
Asked why he rejected Arsenal, he told : ‘Rumors, rumors, because I told my manager that I didn’t want to hear anything, especially in winter. Leaving Real Sociedad aside with the season we are having would be illogical. Here I am very happy.’
Arsenal ultimately secured the deadline day signing of Jorginho from Chelsea but are likely to be in the market for a central midfielder again come the close season.
‘I look forward to a quiet summer,’ added Zubimendi when asked if he would like Arsenal to make contact again come the end of the campaign.
Barcelona, too, have been mentioned as a possible destination for the gifted technician with Sergio Busequets set to depart in a matter of months.
Xavi is known to be a keen admirer of Zubimendi’s but the player remains focused on the task in hand at both club an international level.
He added: ‘That people like Xavi, who have won everything, who are one of those who know the most, talk about me is already a reason to be happy.
‘Beyond that, it would be illogical not to think about anything other than Real Sociedad, we are having a great season and I am very happy.’
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