Martin Zubimendi Real Sociedad
Arsenal are reportedly prepared to spend big to sign Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi, as per Caught Offside.
The Spaniard was heavily linked with a move away from Anoeta last summer having won the European Championship with Spain. The Gunners were mentioned as a potential suitor for him but Liverpool showed the most concrete interest in securing his service.
However, the player eventually decided to stay at his boyhood club. Now, Caught Offside claim that the Reds remain keen on signing him in January and Real Sociedad want a fee of around £60m to let their star man leave. But Liverpool are ready to submit a fee of around £50m to get the deal done.
The report say Arsenal are also in this race and are prepared to provide stiff competition for Liverpool to get the deal done. Moreover, they are prepared to spend a similar fee as Liverpool to sign the midfielder.
Manchester City have expressed their interest in signing the 25-year-old as well but Arsenal and Liverpool are currently ahead of the Citizens in this race.
Zubimendi to Arsenal
Zubimendi is a technically sound deep-lying playmaker and has been one of the best midfielders in La Liga in recent times. He isn’t the most dynamic player but has the positioning sense and is efficient in protecting the back-four as well as creating the play from deep.
Arsenal will have to look to strengthen the engine room next year as Thomas Partey and Jorginho have entered the final few months of their respective contracts. Both have reached the twilight of their career so perhaps Arsenal may not opt to offer a fresh term to either of them.
Zubimendi possesses the necessary attributes to play in Arteta’s possession-based system and he has been playing in a similar system for his club and country in recent times.
The midfielder is 25 at the moment so he is at the right age to take the next step in his career. Therefore, he could be a shrewd acquisition for Arsenal if they purchase him.
However, it is going to be interesting to see whether the North London club eventually make a concrete approach to sign the Spain international in the upcoming transfer window.