Barcelona are no longer in the race to sign Martin Zubimendi owing to their financial troubles and the growing interest from Arsenal.

According to SPORT, Martin Zubimendi is no longer a target for Barcelona amid their financial troubles. The Arsenal target will cost €60 million, which the Catalans cannot afford now. They also feel the Real Sociedad enforcer would like a move to north London.

Martin Zubimendi has made a glowing impression on Barcelona’s chiefs, who view him as the long-term successor to Sergio Busquets. The midfielder’s play style and ball-playing ability perfectly suit Xavi Hernandez’s style. The Blaugrana were thus eager to make a big summer move for the Real Sociedad midfielder.

Barcelona made several high-profile acquisitions in the summer but chose not to strengthen the defensive midfield role. They did bring Franck Kessie on a free transfer, but the Ivorian is not suited to the position of Busquets.

They might have gone for Zubimendi if they received indications from Real Sociedad over negotiating the midfielder’s €60 million release clause. But La Real are unwilling to let the player depart for anything less, which may prove out of Barcelona’s range.

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The Catalan giants have salary cap issues and may have to make tremendous sacrifices in the summer to balance their books. Hence paying his release clause may not be possible, and Barcelona already feel he might prefer to join Arsenal.

The Gunners are reportedly interested in Zubimendi and made approaches to pay his release clause this month. The €60 million-rated star has conveyed the idea of staying with Real Sociedad until the season’s end. But he remains open to moving in the summer.

While the Gunners may look at Zubimendi in the summer, they are already targeting a new midfielder in Moises Caicedo. On Friday, Arsenal saw a massive bid rejected by Brighton, although they could return with an improved offer. The Ecuadorian international is keen on a move to north London, having made a public desire and plea to Brighton chiefs.

They could also chase Declan Rice in the summer, meaning Arsenal have set their sights on multiple options. As for Zubimendi, a move to north London is possible, considering he and Mikel Arteta share the same agent. Hence, Barcelona may have already given up on making an effort, as Zubimendi will end up costing his €60 million release clause.

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