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 Mikel Arteta’s side, but they have been unable to convince him to secure a new challenge away from Sociedad.
However, the La Liga outfit won’t be featuring in the competition next season and Sport (page 8) claim that the midfielder has the ambition to grow as a footballer.
Barcelona have also been long linked with the 25-year-old, but it is claimed that they can’t afford Sociedad’s non-negotiable release clause of €60 million.
Bayern Munich and Arsenal also like the player, but the Gunners have an advantage as he is said to be ‘seduced’ by the prospect of moving to the Premier League.
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 from 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 has the knack for making recoveries with his tireless work rate.
Arsenal face competition from Bayern for Zubimendi, but they should be optimistic of signing him, having beaten the German outfit to the services of Declan Rice and David Raya
