Arsenal gain advantage in Zubimendi race amid Sociedad’s outrage over Barcelona developments
Arsenal have been handed an advantage in the pursuit of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Gunners are long-term admirers of the Spaniard and it has been reported that he could finally leave Sociedad due to the ambition to grow as a footballer.
Sociedad are reluctant to sell him for less than his €60 million (£52m) release clause and Mundo Deportivo claim that Arsenal have ‘positioned themselves’ to sign him.
Barcelona have also targeted the midfielder for some time, but they face outrage from Sociedad after a private meeting with the player’s representative, as per Estadio Deportivo.
Sporting director Deco invited his agent for a meeting earlier this week which has not gone well with Sociedad, given the clubs face each other in La Liga on Monday evening.
As things stand, Arsenal have ‘shown their willingness’ to meet the buy-out clause while Barcelona are not in any position to do so unless they can recoup funds from player sales.
Arsenal have financial edge over Barcelona in Zubimendi race
The Gunners have looked at the possibility of signing Zubimendi for the past few years, but the Spaniard has had no desire to end his association with his boyhood club.
Last summer, the midfielder made it clear that he wanted to play Champions League football with Sociedad. It won’t be possible next season as Sociedad can’t finish higher than fifth in La Liga.
This could pave the way for a summer exit. Zubimendi is said to be ‘seduced‘ by the Premier League. Arsenal should have the edge with no competition from any other English club.
Elsewhere, Barcelona are still in a financial crisis and they have yet to pay a single penny for the transfer of Vitor Roque from Athletico Paranaense at the start of the year.
Keeping this in mind, they are unlikely to afford Zubimendi. Sociedad are also unlikely to play the waiting game and would prefer an early transfer to land a replacement.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
