Arsenal believe they will miss out on Zubimendi

Arsenal has accepted that Martin Zubimendi is unlikely to join them during the summer transfer window, according to Sport.

The Spaniard has been linked with the Gunners for the past few years, but he has shown no desire to part ways with Real Sociedad.

His stance has not changed until now. Sport claim that Arsenal are willing to trigger the €60m release clause in his contract.

However, a transfer is unlikely to happen. Zubimendi prefers to continue in the Spanish top-flight and does not want to move abroad.

If he were to leave Sociedad, he would prefer to join Barcelona or Real Madrid. He has no desire to join any other La Liga outfit.

The news is a huge setback for the Gunners, who have identified the Spaniard as their priority target for the defensive midfield role.

They now need to look at alternative targets in the transfer market. Everton's Amadou Onana could re-emerge as an option for them.