Obstacle emerges in Arsenal's pursuit of Martin Zubimendi

The absence of activity in January has heaped the pressure on the Arsenal board to deliver a gargantuan summer.

With the Gunners short in attack following the injuries sustained to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, winter arrivals were very much expected. However, in the midst of the club's faux striker/winger search, news started to develop regarding a potential future move for midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

The Real Sociedad loyalist has garnered a lofty reputation out in Spain and was once regarded as the heir to Sergio Busquets' nonchalant throne at the base of Barcelona and La Roja's midfields. However, Premier League giants also caught wind of his subtle talents, with Zubimendi turning down a move to Liverpool last summer before Arsenal made their move.

The Gunners were said to be formalising an agreement with Sociedad over a summer transfer, with the player boasting a €60m release clause in his contract, and some suggested the move was all but complete. However, since the initial reports broke in mid-January, the Zubimendi to Arsenal trail has gone cold and an emerging buyer risks denying Arteta his utopian #6.

Obstacle emerges in Arsenal's pursuit of Martin Zubimendi

With Jorginho and Thomas Partey both likely to depart the club following the expiration of their contracts in June, Arsenal require a midfield refresh and Zubimendi has been identified as an early priority target for the summer.

The crafty Spaniard boasts similarities to Jorginho, in particular, and his arrival could perhaps open the door for Arteta to change systematic tack next season and beyond.

Given Arsenal's distinct needs up top, their willingness to allocate €60m to sign Zubimendi shows clear admiration. This is Arteta's guy. However, the big bad wolf from Madrid risk scuppering the Gunners boss' plans to overhaul his midfield.

Various Spanish outlets, including Fichajes, are reporting that Madrid have joined Arsenal in the race to sign Zubimendi this summer. They want to strike a deal as soon as possible and are said to have an excellent working relationship with the San Sebastian club.

The Champions League holders are also in need of a midfield reshuffle having failed to replace Toni Kroos in the summer. Luka Modric is also on his last legs and we've seen former Gunner Dani Ceballos suddenly play an important role for Carlo Ancelotti's side.

Zubimendi has long been reluctant to leave Sociedad, and I fear that his preference would be to remain in Spain if Madrid came calling. Arteta may have done plenty of sweet talking while Arsenal were wrapping up negotiations for Mikel Merino, but Florentino Perez very rarely doesn't get what he wants.

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