Arsenal have upper hand over Juventus in race to sign Martin Zubimendi
Arsenal have an upper hand over Juventus in the race to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi this summer, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Gunners are long-term admirers of the Spain international, but they have been unable to prise him away in recent years due to his reluctance to leave Sociedad.
Zubimendi was heavily linked with a Premier League move last summer, but he made it clear that he wanted to play in the Champions League with his boyhood club.
However, he could move on with Sociedad’s struggles this season and Gazzetta dello Sport (paper edition) claim that the Bianconeri face an uphill task to land his signature.
Zubimendi currently has a release clause worth €60m in his deal and it is claimed that it would take at least €50m to persuade Sociedad into parting ways with the Spaniard.
The Serie A outfit are admirers of the defensive midfielder, but the outlet claim that Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal and Bayern Munich are currently in pole position for his services.
Arsenal likely to make fresh approach for Zubimendi
The Gunners are set for a busy summer transfer window and there could be multiple changes in the midfield department with several players heading for the exit door.
Mohamed Elneny could be released on a free transfer when his contract expires. Thomas Partey could also be sold amid his persistent injury concerns since his arrival.
Contract talks have surprisingly stopped with Jorginho. The club have the option to extend his stay, but there is a possibility that he could leave on a Bosman deal.
Aside from the trio, there are also doubts over the futures of Emile Smith Rowe and Albert Sambi Lokonga. We won’t be surprised if one of them leaves too.
In our view, the club could look into signing two marquee midfielders. Zubimendi could be the number one target to strengthen the defensive midfield department.
The Spaniard is one of the best holding midfielders in La Liga. He has caught the eye with his positioning, strong aerial presence and ability to make regular ball recoveries.
Arteta is a big admirer of his compatriot while Zubimendi is aware of the transfer interest. We fancy the midfielder to be the Gunners’ first signing of the summer.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
