Arsenal have already proposed to sign Martin Zubimendi through his agent

Arsenal have already proposed to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi through his agent, according to Mundo Deportivo.

The Gunners have been long-term admirers of the Spain international and they seem determined to land his signature in the next transfer window.

Mundo Deportivo (page 4) claim that the player’s representative already has an offer from Arsenal, but Real Sociedad have no desire to negotiate.

Any interested club would have to trigger the €60 million (£52m) release clause in Zubimendi’s contract.

The Gunners face another stumbling block as they would need to convince the midfielder, who would be happy to continue at La Real next season.

Arsenal need to make quick decision on Zubimendi

Zubimendi has been reluctant to leave his boyhood club over recent years. Last summer, the 25-year-old said that he wanted to play Champions League football with Sociedad.

Sociedad won’t be playing in the elite European competition next term, but Zubimendi has not revealed any desire to move on. Manager Imanol is also confident that he will be at the club next season.

Looking at this, Arsenal have a difficult task of convincing him. If the Gunners are unable to get the green light from the player, they should swiftly move to an alternative target.

Zubimendi would be a fine signing for the number six role with his ball control, aerial presence and work rate, but it appears he could continue with Sociedad for another year.

Arsenal’s second choice could be Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes, but he won’t come on the cheap. He currently has a release clause worth £100m in his Magpies contract.

The Tyneside outfit could sell for slightly less up front with achievable add-ons. It is left to be seen whether the Gunners can afford him amid their plans to sign a marquee striker.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com