Martin Zubimendi has rejected a move to Arsenal this month (Getty)

Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi is open to joining Arsenal this summer after turning down a move to the Gunners in January, according to reports in Spain.

Mikel Arteta is looking to strengthen his midfield options and reports over the weekend claimed that the Premier League leaders were ready to trigger the €60 million (£52.6m) release clause in the 23–year–old‘s deal with Real Sociedad.

However, Zubimendi has rejected Arsenal’s approach this month and has told Real Sociedad that he wants to stay with them until the end of the season.

According to Cadena SER, the midfielder wants to evaluate all offers once the season has finished as Barcelona have identified him as their replacement for Sergio Busquets.

But the report claims that Zubimendi is ‘more inclined’ to make the move to the Premier League this summer following Arsenal’s offer.

Martin Zubimendi is open to joining Arsenal at the end of the season (Shutterstock)

Zubimendi is due to face Barcelona in Real Sociedad’s Copa del Rey quarter final on Wednesday.

When asked about Zubimendi and his comparisons with Busquets ahead of the game, Xavi said: ‘He is a more physical and faster player than Busi, who is technically better. But not only Zubimendi, all the midfield players.

‘A great team visits us. Zubimendi is a great footballer.

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‘We work in the same way in grassroots football. But La Real works very well with the academy.

‘We lack a defensive pivot who is the future of Busquets.’

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A huge boost for the Gunners.