Arsenal could become clear favourites to sign £53 million-rated Barcelona target Martin Zubimendi in the summer.
According to Daily Mirror, Arsenal have a clear path towards £53 million-rated Martin Zubimendi in the summer. The Spanish midfielder is also a key target for Barcelona, but Xavi Hernandez may have another player as an alternative.
Martin Zubimendi showed determination to give Real Sociedad continuity mid-season when some top clubs came calling for his signature. Among those were Arsenal and Barcelona, who were keen on signing the midfielder last month.
Considering his good form and Real Sociedad’s position (third) in La Liga, the midfielder did not envisage departing midway through the campaign. In the summer, he could leave his boyhood club for a different challenge and join one of the giants of European football.
Arsenal were willing to activate his £53 million release clause in January. However, once his stance became clearer, the Gunners switched their attention toward Moises Caicedo. Brighton rejected at least two offers from the Gunners, but Mikel Arteta could return with an approach in the summer.
In any case, Arsenal’s priority target seems like Declan Rice, with the club willing to break the bank for the midfielder. Caicedo could become a fallback option alongside other names like Edson Alvarez and Martin Zubimendi.
Widespread reports suggest Arteta is keen on Rice but would remain open to signing two midfielders next summer. So Arsenal could remain interested in Zubimendi irrespective of their pursuit of Rice. The Sociedad star has a straightforward £53 million release clause,
While Arsenal are chasing the Barcelona target, the Catalans may have dropped out of the race. Xavi Hernandez wanted the Real Sociedad star on priority to replace Sergio Busquets. But the Barcelona captain is likely to sign a one-year extension at the club.
It is positive news for Barcelona, as Busquets had suggested he might depart in the summer. Additionally, Barcelona’s financial situation would have restricted them towards spending £53 million on Zubimendi, with Sofyan Amrabat emerging as an alternative.
The Blaugrana were keen on Amrabat in January, but Fiorentina blocked a move as they could not agree to the terms offered by Barcelona. The Moroccan midfielder insists he would like to play for Barcelona. Hence a move may materialise in the summer as he pushes on.
As for Arsenal, they may not consider Zubimendi a priority target yet. But he does feature on their shortlist. Rice remains Arteta’s main target. But if the Gunners look to secure an additional midfielder, the Real Sociedad man could become their preferred man.
