Revealed: Arsenal January target explains real reason he didn’t join in January amid £60 million bid

Martin Zubimendi has revealed that he turned down a January move to Arsenal because he felt it would be ‘illogical’ to leave Real Sociedad in the middle of the season.

The Premier League champions were desperate to strengthen their options in central midfield during the transfer window in order to provide competition and backup for Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey.

Mikel Arteta’s need for reinforcements was exacerbated by Mohamed Elneny’s serious injury, while a string of poor performances led the Arsenal manager to sanction Albert Sambi Lokonga’s loan move to Crystal Palace.

Moises Caicedo emerged as Arsenal’s top target, but Brighton were unwilling to sell the Ecuador international, rejecting two bids in the region of £70 million.

Arsenal later considered a move for Zubimendi, whose Sociedad contract includes a £52.8 million release clause, but the 24-year-old had no intention of leaving the Basque club.

When asked why he turned down Arsenal, he told Sport: ‘Rumors, rumours, because I told my manager I didn’t want to hear anything, especially in the winter. It would be illogical to ignore Real Sociedad during this season. I’m very happy here.’

Arsenal eventually signed Jorginho on deadline day from Chelsea, but they are likely to be looking for a central midfielder again in the offseason.

‘I’m looking forward to a quiet summer,’ Zubimendi said when asked if he wanted Arsenal to contact him again at the end of the season.

With Sergio Busequets set to leave in a few months, Barcelona has also been mentioned as a possible destination for the gifted technician.

Xavi is a fan of Zubimendi, but the player remains focused on the task at hand at both the club and international levels.

‘That people like Xavi, who has won everything and is one of the most knowledgeable, talk about me is already a reason to be happy,’ he added.

‘Aside from that, it would be illogical not to think about Real Sociedad; we are having a fantastic season and I am very happy.’