Arsenal has lost a chance to buy a good midfielder as rival Premier League club is reportedly considering disrupting Arsenal’s pursuit of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi during the upcoming summer transfer window, according to information from Dean Jones.
Zubimendi has been a pivotal figure for Real Sociedad in recent seasons, drawing attention from multiple European clubs due to his standout performances.
Amidst strong links connecting Arsenal to the Spanish midfielder, reports from GiveMeSport suggest that Mikel Arteta holds a substantial interest in bringing Zubimendi to the Emirates Stadium. Arteta, aiming to fortify his squad for comprehensive competition, might see Zubimendi as a potential replacement for the injury-prone Thomas Partey, who is rumoured to depart in the summer.
Despite Arsenal’s keen interest, Dean Jones suggests that Manchester United could emerge as a contender to derail Arsenal’s pursuit of Zubimendi. Jones conveyed to Give Me Sport that United has expressed interest in the La Liga midfielder and might intensify their efforts to secure his signature in the coming months.
Jones stated:
“They have got a few names already. Four or five names, to be honest, that they’re continuing to explore for the midfield. I think that they’ll also get involved in conversations around players like Zubimendi, who they have a level of interest in. I think they might even step that up as we get through the season.”
Zubimendi’s ability to control the game’s tempo and recycle possession could address Manchester United’s current midfield needs. The Red Devils, lacking a player with such skills, would benefit from securing Zubimendi during the summer transfer window.
GiveMeSport reports that Zubimendi has a £52 million release clause in his contract, a seemingly reasonable fee in the context of the current market where top midfielders often command fees exceeding £100 million. Although the 24-year-old is settled in Spain, the allure of joining prestigious clubs like Arsenal or Manchester United could prove tempting.
A move to the Premier League would present an exciting opportunity for Zubimendi, allowing him to showcase his talents at the highest level. However, the player’s desire to participate in the UEFA Champions League could play a pivotal role. If Arsenal secures a top-four finish, they might be in a favourable position to secure Zubimendi’s signature, especially considering Manchester United’s anticipated absence from the Champions League qualification spots.
