Martin Zubimendi remains focused on Real Sociedad amid interest from Arsenal, with a move appearing unlikely in the January window.

Fabrizio Romano reports that Martin Zubimendi is very happy at Real Sociedad. He’s fully focused on his current club, and he’s already rejected chances to leave in recent years.

Romano believes Zubimendi would be Arsenal’s best option from the shortlist of midfielders linked with a move at the moment, but he adds that it looks difficult for a deal to happen in January.

Spanish outlet Sport previously reported that Mikel Arteta is interested in signing Zubimendi, and the Gunners are willing to offer €60m (£52m) for the midfielder.

That’s the value of Zubimendi’s release clause, so if the report is correct, Arsenal wouldn’t need to worry about negotiating with Real Sociedad for the player.

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.

Football.London confirm that Arsenal remain interested in Zubimendi, as one of a few midfield options.

But even with that release clause in his contract, a deal may still be difficult to do.

Zubimendi has been reluctant to leave his current club in the past, and Real Sociedad’s progression to the Champions League last-16 is only likely to increase his desire to stick around for a bit longer.

Real Sociedad have drawn Paris Saint-Germain in the next round of the Champions League, which is an exciting matchup against big-name players like Kylian Mbappe.

But it also gives Zubimendi’s team a realistic chance to win, given PSG’s inconsistent European campaign so far.

With those matches not taking place until February 14th and March 5th, the January window will close long before we know the outcome of the tie.