According to Mundo Deportivo (via SportWitness), Arsenal are prepared to pay the release clause of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi as early as this month.
The London giants have been long linked with a move for the Spaniard. They were hot on the trail of him last winter, but the midfielder had a clear desire to continue with the La Liga outfit. He made the decision to stay at Sociedad last summer by insisting that he is not interested in leaving the Basque club.
It is now reported by Mundo Deportivo that a number of teams are capable of paying his £52 million release clause and Arsenal are one of them willing to do so this month. However, the source mention that the Gunners face a hurdle in the transfer pursuit as they would need to persuade the 24-year-old to part ways with Sociedad.
Top-class midfielder
There has been no shortage of interest in Zubimendi over the past 18 months. Barcelona have been looking to convince him, but have been unable to do so. The same has been the case with the Gunners. Manager Mikel Arteta ‘really admires‘ his Spanish compatriot and Arsenal will be hoping to land his signature this time around.
Zubimendi has a good passing success rate of 86% in the Spanish top-flight this campaign, but his main strengths are his ball recoveries and ability to win aerial challenges. He has won 68% of his aerial duels for Sociedad this season. These qualities would suit him while operating from the defensive midfield role for the Gunners.
Sociedad will have no option but to sell him if the clause in his contract is triggered but ultimately, a transfer would depend on the player’s consent. Arsenal now need to persuade the player to make a move to the Emirates Stadium this month, considering he may have plans of seeing out the rest of the campaign at his club.
