Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has been linked with a move to the Premier League in recent weeks.
Arsenal and Manchester United are keen on signing Martin Zubimendi. But Dean Jones has revealed on Give Me Sport that the Spanish international, also a target for Barcelona, could choose Arsenal over the Red Devils.
The 24-year-old midfielder has a €60 million release clause in his contract, and he has been linked with Spanish giants Barcelona as well. It will be interesting to see where he ends up eventually amid the links with Arsenal and Manchester United.
“I’ve even heard that Man Utd like Zubimendi. I’m not sure he would choose that over Arsenal, but they have a degree of interest in him. I wouldn’t rule out a move to Arsenal for Xavi Simons because they need another creative player, and they have been looking for that. But I’d be surprised.”
Arsenal need a midfield controller who can partner Declan Rice at the heart of their midfield. The Real Sociedad midfielder would be a superb long-term acquisition for them. He has the technical attributes and the quality to thrive in the Premier League, and he could help Arsenal control games better.
Similarly, Manchester United need a holding midfielder, as players like Sofyan Amrabat have been quite underwhelming this season. The Red Devils must look to bring in an upgrade, and Zubimendi would be a transformative signing. It remains to be seen where he ends up eventually.
Meanwhile, Barcelona are keeping tabs on him as well. The opportunity to continue in his homeland and join one of the biggest clubs in the world could be a tempting proposition for the midfielder. However, the Blaugrana are going through financial difficulties and they might struggle to trigger his €60 million release clause.
Arsenal and Manchester United are certainly better-placed financially to pay the asking price for him. The opportunity to join a Premier League club can be quite tempting for most players, and it will be interesting to see how the Spanish international reacts to the interest in him.
Whoever ends up signing him will have a top class central midfielder on their hands for the foreseeable future. Zubimendi is yet to enter his peak years and he could improve further with coaching and experience.