Martin Zubimendi is on Arsenal’s shortlist for the summer transfer window, but there’s no agreement in place and he won’t move this month, according to reports.

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 20: Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad looks on during the LaLiga Santander match between FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad at Spotify Camp Nou on May 20, 2023 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN: Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad looks on during the LaLiga Santander match between FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad at Spotify Camp Nou on May 20, 2023. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Earlier this week, a few rumours suggested Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi was on the verge of accepting an offer to join Arsenal in the summer, but various outlets have now refuted those claims.

Spanish outlet Marca write that Zubimendi’s arrival at Arsenal is far from imminent, whilst Fabizio Romano reports that nothing is decided yet.

Romano adds that Zubimendi is indeed one of the players on Arsenal’s shortlist, among others, but there are various obstacles to a potential deal.

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 20: Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad looks on during the LaLiga Santander match between FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad at Spotify Camp Nou on May 20, 2023 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN: Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad looks on during the LaLiga Santander match between FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad at Spotify Camp Nou on May 20, 2023. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

For a start, Zubimendi remains very happy with his current club, and he’s focusing on their goals for the season.

On top of that, Bayern Munich and FC Barcelona are reportedly interested in the midfielder, so Arsenal will have strong competition for the signing.

Zubimendi certainly isn’t set for a move in the next week, with Football.London’s Kaya Kaynak reporting that the midfielder is “highly unlikely” to join Arsenal this month.

Again, Kaynak confirms that Zubimendi is among the targets Arsenal have looked at for midfield reinforcements, but a deal would be difficult financially and in light of the player’s desire to see out the season in Spain.

SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN - MARCH 13: Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad celebrates scoring their side's first goal during the LaLiga Santander match between Real Sociedad and Deportivo Alaves at Reale Arena on March 13, 2022 in San Sebastian, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN: Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad celebrates scoring their side’s first goal during the LaLiga Santander match between Real Sociedad and Deportivo Alaves at Reale Arena on March 13, 2022. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

David Ornstein recently reported for The Athletic that Arsenal explored the idea of signing Zubimendi 12 months ago, and their interest in him remains strong.

The player has a €60m (£51.4m) release clause in his contract, so a summer deal wouldn’t be too outlandish from a financial perspective.

It’s just not an outlay Arsenal are in a position to afford this month.