Barcelona want to sign €60 million-rated Martin Zubimendi on priority but face tough competition from Arsenal.
According to Fichajes, Barcelona are considering a move for Martin Zubimendi in the summer. The Blaugrana want the midfielder on priority but face the challenging prospect of a financial commitment and competition from Arsenal for the Real Sociedad star.
Central midfielders will dictate the direction of the next window when most of the top clubs fight it out for a few players. Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Barcelona are all keen on bringing in a new star in the position. But the competition remains intense.
Among the few names, Martin Zubimendi is a solid target for at least three top clubs in the window. Barcelona have remained keen on the midfielder for a long time but did not make a move last summer as they prioritised other areas of their squad.
In the summer, they want the €60 million-rated star on priority as Xavi Hernandez wants to make him the central figure in his system. Real Sociedad will have no choice if a suitor comes and pays Zubimendi’s release clause, which could prove problematic for Barcelona.
The Catalan giants are in a financial mess. And committing such a large sum for a single player in the next window may not be plausible. Reports have suggested that Barcelona were resigned to losing the player in the market, especially in light of Arsenal’s interest.
The Gunners were keen on Zubimendi in January. But the player decided to remain with Real Sociedad for the remainder of the season. Arsenal are already plotting a summer move, but they might prioritise signing Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo in the summer.
That does not mean they will not try for Zubimendi, but much will depend on how fast teams react. Barcelona will certainly try and find a solution with Real Sociedad, but they will want the entire release clause for the midfielder.
While Barcelona want him on priority, it is not easy to see them paying that kind of money, given their financial standing. However, Zubimendi could attract more interest from Premier League sides, with Chelsea also keen on the midfielder alongside Arsenal.
