The negotiations between Arsenal and Real Sociedad for midfielder Martin Zubimendi have stalled, and it is now believed that Andrea Berta, the new sporting director, will be given a less expensive option.
Arsenal has been attempting to bolster their midfield because players like Jorginho and Thomas Partey may be leaving the Emirates at the end of the current campaign. The 26-year-old Spanish midfielder Zubimendi of Real Sociedad has been identified as a potential addition, and negotiations are underway to finalize a transaction.
Real Sociedad’s junior academy produced Zubimendi, who has played in 36 games for the Spanish team this season, including seven in the Europa League. When Liverpool pursued Zubimendi last summer, they believed they had him, but he later changed his mind.
Arsenal is still interested in signing Zubimendi and has kept in touch with him, according to the Spanish newspaper AS.
Arsenal in negotiations to sign Martin Zubimendi since January
According to reports from The Mail, Arsenal had started advanced talks for Zubimendi during the January contract window. Despite the fact that the Spain international turned down a move to Premier League rivals Liverpool last summer (BBC), Mikel Arteta and company continued to try to entice him to the Emirates Stadium this winter.
Arsenal wants to activate Zubimendi’s £51 million release clause this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano, but they must persuade the player first. Although Arsenal reportedly wants to finalize this transaction before the next window, Arteta is believed to play a significant part in persuading the midfield player.
It is believed that Berta could sign the Denmark international for a fee of about £34 million, even though his contract actually includes a more costly release clause set at £67 million.
The midfield player is a vital member of the Spanish team, so losing him would be devastating. However, they were able to retain him for the current campaign when it appeared that Liverpool might sign him last summer. Zubimendi’s arrival would bolster Arsenal’s midfield, but they are also under criticism for not acquiring a striker during the most recent transfer window.
