Fabrizio Romano provides update on Arsenal midfield transfer target

Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi remains on Arsenal's summer transfer wishlist, but the player will not force a move out of San Sebastian.

Links to Zubimendi surfaced in 2023, but the Gunners opted against making a move for the Spaniard, who'd helped Sociedad return to the Champions League under Imanol Alguacil.

There's an undoubted appreciation on Arsenal's behalf, and the club are expected to make a couple of changes to their midfield for the 2024/25 campaign. Mikel Arteta's engine room has evolved considerably this term with Declan Rice proving to be a dominant force in multiple roles, and the boss could be on the hunt for Jorginho and Thomas Partey replacements this summer.

Fabrizio Romano provides update on Arsenal midfield transfer target

Zubimendi is certainly more of the Jorginho mould. The Spaniard is a classy but industrious deep-lying playmaker capable of dazzling with the ease at which he makes the game look in possession. Zubimendi has garnered comparisons to Barcelona icon Sergio Busquets amid his La Liga ascent, and he's the sort of player who'd excel alongside a player as athletic and defensively competent as Rice.

Thus, it's understandable as to why Arsenal are interested, but the Gunners will have to do some persuading if they're to prise the 24-year-old away from his homeland.

Fabrizio Romano writes that Zubimendi remains on the Gunners' summer transfer list, but he noted that the player is happy at Sociedad and will not force a move.

“Martin Zubimendi is still super happy at Real Sociedad," he told the Caught Offside podcast (via @afcstuff). "He loves the club, the city, the fans. Of course, if any club will trigger his release clause it will be up to the player to decide on the next move, but he’s surely on the list at Arsenal and Bayern.”

“So, let’s wait and see on the movements in the summer, but Zubimendi is not pushing to leave, however, in case of proposals, he will consider his future.”

The midfielder's release clause is believed to be €60m with Bayern Munich and Barcelona also registering an interest. Bayern were prepared to sign Zubimendi had they appointed Xabi Alonso as Thomas Tuchel's successor, but Alonso recently revealed his intention to stay at Bayer Leverkusen.

Zubimendi's Sociedad have endured a drop-off in 2023/24 despite topping their Champions League group. A poor start to 2024 saw them exit the competition to PSG in the round of 16, and a top-four La Liga berth looks unlikely. The absence of UCL football next season could sway Zubimendi should Arsenal swoop.

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