"I told my agent..." - Spanish star dubbed 'the next Busquets' directly addresses Arsenal transfer rumours

Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has addressed transfer rumours linking him with a move to Arsenal.

The Gunners head into the international break some eight points clear at the top of the Premier League table, with a crucial 10 games left of the campaign.

However, Mikel Arteta is keen to strengthen his midfield, with the prospect of Champions League football all but guaranteed next season.

One of the names rumoured with a move to the Emirates is Zubimendi, who was heavily linked to the Gunners in January.

The 24-year-old has starred in La Liga this term, helping his side to an impressive fourth place in the table. Zubimendi has now opened up on his future, discussing transfer rumours linking him with a move away.

Zubimendi addresses transfer rumours

Arsenal were allegedly willing to meet Real Sociedad's £53 million release clause in January. Although the player was keen to see out the season in Spain, having penned a two-year contract extension in October.

Arteta made a late swoop for Jorginho instead, signing the Italian on transfer deadline day to help boost their title credentials.

Zubimendi has since lifted the lid on reports, labelling them merely "rumours", and insisting he was keen to stay with Imanol Alguacil's side.

“Rumours, rumours, because I told my agent that I didn’t want to hear anything, especially in winter,” the midfielder told Sport.

“Leaving Real Sociedad aside with the season we are having would be illogical. I am very happy here."

However, just last month Arsenal were thought to be in 'pole position' for Zubimendi's signature, with the player keen to play in the Premier League.

Whilst Barcelona hold a long-standing interest in the player, having allegedly earmarked him as Sergio Busquets' replacement in midfield.

But the Spaniard has since played down possibilities of a summer move, admitting he was hoping for a "quiet summer".

When pushed on whether he anticipates the transfer saga being reignited at the end of the season, he replied: "I look forward to a quiet summer. Like the others and nothing."

Topics: Arsenal, Football, Transfers, Real Sociedad, Mikel Arteta, La Liga, Premier League

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno