Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi is seduced by a move to the Premier League amid interest from Arsenal, according to Spanish publication Sport.
The Spain international has been a long-term target for the Gunners, but they have been unable to convince him to secure a new challenge away from Sociedad.
Zubimendi made it clear that he did not want to leave his boyhood club last summer following their qualification for the group stage of the Champions League.
However, the La Liga outfit won’t be in the competition next season and Sport (page 8) claim the midfielder has the ambition to grow as a footballer.
Barcelona have also been long linked with the 25-year-old, but they can’t afford Sociedad’s non-negotiable release clause of €60 million.
Bayern Munich and Arsenal also like Zubimendi, but the Gunners have an advantage as he is ‘seduced’ by the prospect of moving to the Premier League.
Arteta could finally bring Zubimendi to Arsenal
Arteta has been a big admirer of his compatriot and the Gunners could finally get the chance to sign him. The midfielder has accepted that he may need to leave Sociedad to progress in his career.
Arsenal currently have Declan Rice, Jorginho and Thomas Partey for the defensive midfield position, but the former’s future could be in the number eight role where he has impressed in recent months.
Jorginho is on course to sign a new contract, but Arteta would still want another robust midfielder. There is a high possibility that Partey could be sold amid his poor injury record over the years.
Zubimendi would be an ideal signing for the London giants. He is a good ball-playing midfielder who has a strong aerial presence and the knack for making recoveries with his tireless work rate.
Arsenal face competition from Bayern for Zubimendi. However, they should be optimistic about signing him, having beaten the German outfit to Declan Rice and David Raya last summer.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com.
