Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi will stay at Real Sociedad this transfer window football.london understands.
The Gunners are keen to bring in a midfielder before the January transfer window slams shut on Tuesday evening after a long-term injury to Mohamed Elneny left them short in the position. There main target thus far has been Moises Caicedo of Brighton.
The player has publicly stated his desire to leave this month on social media, but Brighton have still rejected two bids from Arsenal at time of writing.
READ MORE: Moises Caicedo to Arsenal transfer state of play as Gunners remain hopeful of late move
Zubimendi is thought to have been another player the Gunners were looking at bringing in this month, however, Real Sociedad are adamant he will stay at the Reale Arena in order to help their push for a Champions League place. This means a deal for Spaniard looks highly unlikely at this stage.
Despite being firmly rebuffed by Brighton, Arsenal still remain hopeful that they can do a deal for Caicedo before the window closes if the Seagulls can bring in a replacement. They remain active elsewhere in the window though and have reportedly looked at Ibrahima Bamba of Vitoria Guimaraes.
"We’ve been pretty active," manager Mikel Arteta said of his side's transfer ambitions after their 1-0 defeat to Manchester City on Friday. "We have some necessities and if something else is available the club is willing to try to do it when it’s reasonable and hopefully it’s a player that can improve our squad."
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