Arsenal are reportedly closing in to activate the £51 million release clause of Real Sociedad midfielder, Martin Zubimendi who has been touted for a move to Barcelona.
The Gunners made significant purchases throughout the summer in an attempt to unseat Manchester City as England’s dominant force.
Jurrien Timber, Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and David Raya (on initial loan) all moved to the Emirates. However, rumours from Spain, claimed Rice may soon be joined in the middle of the park by a well-known figure.
According to Sportskeeda as cited by Team Talk, the north-London outfit are ‘near’ to trigger the roughly £51 million release clause in Zubimendi’s contract.
The 24-year-old has been wanted by Arsenal for several years. But according to the source, the transfer may finally happen during the forthcoming winter transfer window.
Zubimendi, who plays the entire 90 minutes every game for Real Sociedad season after season, is primarily a defensive midfielder.
Since making his debut in 2021, he has received two caps for the senior Spanish national team and has also been eyed by Barcelona.
Barca manager Xavi is rumored to be a fan of Zubimendi. Oreol Romeu, a former star for Southampton, is Xavi’s current starting holding midfielder and is described as only a “temporary solution.”
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The report asserts that Arsenal, not Barcelona, are willing to exercise Zubimendi’s contract’s release clause in order to deny the Catalan club access to the man they’ve chosen to replace Sergio Busquets.
The iconic Spaniard joined Jordi Alba and Lionel Messi at Inter Miami in the summer, ending his nearly 20-year affiliation with Barca.
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