The agents of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi were “in London on Friday” to hold negotiations with Arsenal over a potential switch to the Emirates, according to the Daily Mail.

It is believed that the Gunners were willing to trigger the Spanish international’s €60m (£52.8m) release clause, which would have allowed the Premier League leaders to meet directly with the player and his representatives.

However, Zubimendi himself has put the brakes on a move happening before the transfer deadline next week. The 23-year-old has made it clear that he doesn’t want to leave Real Sociedad before the end of the season.

The La Liga club are currently sitting third in the table, just six points behind league leaders Barcelona and Zubimendi wants to stay with his boyhood team until the summer to see how things turn out.

Other sides, including Manchester United, Barcelona and Chelsea have also been linked with the midfielder in recent months, so Arsenal may have more competition for his signature during the next transfer window.