Arsenal are reportedly in pole position to secure a potential transfer for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
The north London club were linked with a move for the midfielder during the previous January transfer window and were reportedly told by the Spanish club that they would have to pay his €60m (£52m) release clause to sign him.
Despite not signing the 24-year-old in January, a claim has emerged regarding Arsenal’s current stance on the player.
In a recent interview with Calciomercato.it, journalist Eugenio Mateo Serrano had this to say about Barcelona’s plans to bring in a suitable replacement for Sergio Busquets and how that links to Arsenal’s interest in Zubimendi.
“The number 1 choice is Martin Zubimendi, of Real Sociedad. But it’s also difficult because Zubimendi wants to play in the Premier League, and for me, Arsenal is in pole position.”
Having worked his way through the youth ranks at Sociedad, the Spaniard has made 124 senior appearances for the club across all competitions, scoring four goals and delivering five assists along the way.
This season has seen Zubimendi show how much of a capable midfield figure he is and what he’d be able to offer Mikel Arteta’s side should they try and sign him.
For example, having played more minutes than any other outfield player at Sociedad, the midfielder has made more progressive passes (104) than any other player at the club.
Would Martin Zubimendi be a good signing for Arsenal?
Yes
No
Then in terms of his work off the ball, Zubimendi has made more recoveries (121) than any of his teammates as well as racking up the second-highest combined total of tackles and interceptions (55).
Described as a “special” player by journalist Sid Lowe, the Sociedad star would surely offer some extra strength, depth and quality to Arsenal’s squad.
With all of that in mind, if the Gunners are in a good position to land a deal for the Spaniard, we feel that they should do all they can to sign him during the next summer transfer window.