Real Sociedad sporting director Roberto Olabe has confidently revealed that he expects sought-after midfielder Martin Zubimendi to remain in San Sebastian despite transfer interest from a host of Premier League clubs.

Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool have all been credited with casting an admiring glance in Zubimendi’s direction. Arne Slot’s Premier League leaders came closest to snapping up the Euro 2024 champion over the summer only for the 25-year-old to opt against a move away from his boyhood club.

Zubimendi was reportedly placed on City’s shortlist of January transfer targets, while Arsenal are also thought to be monitoring an immensely talented player who boasts a relatively modest release clause of €60m (£50m).

Every La Liga player has to have a release clause in their contract, but it can only technically be activated by the individual in question. This puts all the power in the hands of the player.

Olabe is confident that Zubimendi will not push for a move in the upcoming winter window.

“There is little peace of mind about clauses, but in all this time Martin himself has shown us that above clauses are intentions,” the sporting director told assembled media.

“Until today we have already seen the behaviour that has been demonstrated, I do not anticipate that we will have any scares in January.”

Whether Zubimendi will still at La Real by the start of next season is far less certain. Olabe, for what it’s worth, will have moved on. The highly rated sporting director is stepping down from his post in June and is thought to be a target for Arsenal.

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