Arsenal have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Martin Zubimendi, who is unwilling to leave Real Sociedad this month.

The Lowdown: Zubimendi's future

There has been talk about the midfielder moving to a number of different Premier League clubs, with Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag known to be an admirer, while Chelsea have also been linked with a move for the Spaniard.

The 23-year-old is contracted with Real Sociedad until 2027 after committing his future to the club in October, but this deal also includes a release clause.

The Latest: Arsenal snubbed

According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal have been snubbed by the Spaniard, despite the Gunners' willingness to meet the £52.5m release clause required to secure his services.

The boyhood Sociedad fan does not want to abandon his team while they are enjoying a strong season in La Liga, and even though his agents were in London on Friday, the deal now looks set to be put on hold until the summer.

The Verdict: Blow for Arteta

Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka have struck up a fine relationship in the Arsenal engine room this season, ranking fourth and sixth in the squad respectively in terms of average match rating (Sofascore), but Mikel Arteta could still do with some more midfield options to enable squad rotation.

There is every indication that Zubimendi could immediately challenge for a starting berth, judging by his performances with Sociedad, being lauded as a 'special' player by journalist Sid Lowe earlier this season.

The Spaniard particularly flourishes in his defensive duties, averaging 1.92 clearances per 90 in the past year. He is also an imposing presence in the air, ranking in the 93rd percentile for aerial duels won compared to other midfielders in Europe's top five leagues.

A move still seems as though it will be possible in the summer, but Arteta may well be disappointed not to be able to land the maestro this month, given that he will need more strength in depth when the fixtures pile up as the Gunners' Europa League campaign resumes later in the season.