Las Palmas president rules out Mika Mármol exit and Urko Izeta signing
Miguel Ángel Ramírez confirms Las Palmas are hunting for a striker but won't be pursuing Athletic's Izeta, while insisting Mármol isn't for sale despite contract standoff.
Las Palmas president Miguel Ángel Ramírez has put the kibosh on rumours linking Athletic Bilbao striker Urko Izeta with a move to the Canary Islands, while also standing firm that defender Mika Mármol won’t be departing in the January window.
Striker hunt continues
The Canary Islanders are actively searching for a new number nine to bolster their goalscoring options after a drought in front of goal during the first half of the season. Speaking to Radio Las Palmas, Ramírez was crystal clear about the club’s transfer strategy:
“Of course he interests us, but he’s not coming to Las Palmas,” the president stated bluntly when asked about Izeta.
Ramírez revealed that Las Palmas have been working on their transfer plans for over a month, with a preference for the domestic market, though they’re casting their net wider as well. The profile is straightforward – they need a proven goalscorer who can provide what they’ve been missing.
Mármol staying put… for now
In more intriguing news, the Las Palmas chief has taken a hard stance on the future of defender Mika Mármol, who’s been attracting interest from several La Liga clubs including Celta Vigo, Girona and Osasuna.
Despite the player rejecting a contract extension offer – meaning he’s been free to negotiate with other clubs since January 1st for a summer move – Ramírez was having none of it: “We’re not going to sell him and I’m not going to negotiate.”
Other squad movements
While the gaffer’s put the mockers on Mármol leaving, other squad adjustments are on the cards:
- Loaning out Arvelo is under consideration
- Terminating Marc’s contract is on the table
- A third signing (the striker) would complete their transfer business
“With a forward, everything would be finished,” Ramírez concluded, making it clear that landing a number nine remains the club’s top priority to round off their squad for the remainder of the campaign.