Arsenal are willing to pay the release clause of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, but he has the preference to join Barcelona or Real Madrid, according to Sport.
The Gunners have been long-term admirers of the Spain international and they are once again interested in landing his signature. However, a deal appears unlikely to happen.
Sport (page 6) claim that Mikel Arteta’s side are willing to pay his £51 million release clause, but they understand that Zubimendi has other transfer plans in mind.
The 25-year-old midfielder has been reluctant to leave Sociedad over the years. He is not contemplating an exit and ‘would only leave’ for Barcelona or Madrid in future.
ARSENAL NEED TO MOVE ON FROM ZUBIMENDI
Arsenal have held a long-term interest in Zubimendi and it is well known that Arteta is a ‘keen admirer‘ of his talent.
However, they have been unable to change his stance. Zubimendi made it clear last summer that he wanted to continue at Sociedad after the club qualified for the Champions League.
The La Liga outfit underperformed last term as they only finished sixth in La Liga. Despite this, he is not pondering an exit.
Sociedad manager Imanol has already confirmed that Zubimendi wants to stay and he has no doubts over the same.
In our view, the Gunners are fighting a losing battle in their quest for the Spaniard and need to quickly move on from him.
There are several quality defensive midfielders in the transfer market who are much better in distribution than the Spaniard.
If the Gunners are eyeing someone with Premier League experience, they should move for Everton star Amadou Onana.
The Belgian is only 22 years of age and has excelled with his defensive contributions. He would be an ideal acquisition.
