Arsenal are keen on a summer deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, and they have now been handed a boost in their pursuit.
The Spain International is of interest to Mikel Arteta, who reportedly values the 24-year-old highly, and is seen as a long-term replacement for Jorginho and Thomas Partey.
Zubimendi’s outstanding performances for Real Sociedad have made him of interest to Barcelona and Bayern Munich, and a £53m release clause makes him affordable for the Gunners.
Fabrizio Romano has now indicated that Arsenal are ahead of Bayern in the race for Zubimendi, given their uncertain managerial situation.
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Arsenal pull ahead of Bayern Munich in race for Martin Zubimendi
It emerged that if Bayern were to hire former midfielder, and current Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso in the summer, Zubimendi would be his top target to strengthen their midfield.
However, with Alonso confirming he would stay at Leverkusen, despite interest from Liverpool as well as Bayern, it now appears that the German giants will wait for their next manager to be confirmed before they decide on a move for the 24-year-old.
“Understand Martin Zubimendi remains on Arsenal list; and he was on top of Bayern list in case Xabi Alonso was gonna become their new coach,” Romano posted on X.
“Bayern still appreciate Zubimendi as one of the targets but final decision will be up to next manager.
“It’s all quiet with Barça.”
Martin Zubimendi is Arsenal’s signing to lose
All indications point towards Arsenal leading the race for Zubimendi. Both Bayern and Barcelona are changing managers in the summer, and the uncertainty around their coaching staff could delay any move.
Arsenal have a strong relationship with Real Sociedad, and Arteta appears heavily keen to return to his old club to sign the midfielder.
If Zubimendi is keen on the move, but Arsenal lose out to Bayern or anyone else for his signature from here, it will be something of a disaster. The release clause makes this a fairly straightforward deal which can be completed early in the window before the other interested parties end up hiring new coaches and pursuing him.
Zubimendi would be an ideal fit for Arteta’s midfield alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, and would help further raise Arsenal’s level as they aim to win major honours next season.