Arsenal ahora “en pole position” para estrella de £52m a pesar del cambio de rumbo de Barcelona y Man Utd
Zubimendi has shone for Real Sociedad in recent years and reportedly accepted an offer from the Gunners ahead of the season. The 24-year-old is one of the most highly-rated defensive midfielders in European football. Several top teams have long been linked with the player, a product of Basque outfit Sociedad’s famed academy.
Mikel Arteta will reportedly face strong competition for Zubimendi. It is claimed that Barca and Premier League rivals United have U-turned on their previous decision to move on from the Spain international. However, a deal in the winter window is reportedly impossible due to the star’s hopes of featuring in his side’s Champions League knockout tie against Paris Saint-Germain.
Martin Zubimendi has suitors from the Premier League and Europe’s other leading divisions (Image: Getty)
The report says that Zubimendi has a £52m (€60m) release clause inserted into his Sociedad contract. That will be an enticing fee for Europe’s biggest clubs come the summer transfer window. Arsenal are unlikely to complete any more business in the remainder of January, despite links with Zubimendi and a new striker.
Leaving a deal for Zubimendi until the summer will likely be risky, though, prompting other clubs to move in and hijack a deal. Premier League rivals United are known to want to improve their midfield ranks. Casemiro is likely to depart in the summer, while there is uncertainty over whether Sofyan Amrabat’s loan will be made permanent.
The Moroccan has not impressed at Old Trafford as much as many might have expected after his World Cup heroics. Spanish giants Barca have also been linked with Zubimendi. Zubimendi has a contract until 2027, giving Sociedad some power in negotiations.
Clubs will likely need to meet the player’s £52m release clause to stand any chance of striking a deal.
