Barcelona will reportedly prioritise signing Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, a target for Arsenal, next year, with his release clause being worth €60 million.
According to a report by Spanish outlet SPORT, Martin Zubimendi is the subject of interest from Barcelona. The reigning La Liga champions view the Spanish international as a priority target for the 2024 summer transfer window. Meanwhile, the Real Sociedad midfielder, whose release clause is worth €60 million, is also a target for Arsenal.
Martin Zubimendi has become one of the most coveted midfielders in the world in the last few years. The 24-year-old is a graduate of the Real Sociedad youth division and passed out from the academy in April 2019. Since then, he has come leaps and bounds on the club and international levels.
The Spaniard is rising in stature on the international stage and featured for his nation in the ongoing international break. Meanwhile, Zubimendi has made 161 appearances thus far for Real Sociedad, chipping in with six goals and seven assists. The player’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of many high-profile clubs, including Barcelona and Arsenal.
The Spanish international has been on Barcelona’s radar for a long time, with Xavi Hernandez being a fan of his talent. The Barcelona manager is reportedly pushing the Blaugrana to pursue the Real Sociedad midfielder next year. Meanwhile, the interest in the player is understandable.
Barcelona signed two midfielders this past summer, but both are on the wrong side of 30. In addition, Oriol Romeu has struggled to stamp his authority since joining Barcelona from Girona. So, Zubimendi is a viable target for the Catalan giants, who view him as a priority target for next summer. But the Blaugrana will face stiff competition from Arsenal for the €60 million-rated midfielder.
Unlike Barcelona, Arsenal should be financially adept enough to pay €60 million to secure Zubimendi’s services. The Gunners have scouted the 24-year-old Spaniard for a long time. And with Thomas Partey facing an uncertain future at the Emirates, Arsenal can replace him with the Real Sociedad midfielder.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich will compete with Arsenal and Barcelona for Zubimendi’s signature. Bayern, like Arsenal, will likely manage to raise €60 million to land the Spanish international. But the player is reportedly fond of Barcelona, which might leave the Blaugrana in a strong position to beat the competition to his services.
