Arsenal 'willing to pay £50m termination clause' to sign player who snubbed them
Arsenal are planning to go back in for Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi, despite the fact the midfielder snubbed a move to the Emirates last summer.
Mikel Arteta was believed to be willing to fork out £50million for the 24-year-old last year and though the Gunners made very little progress with their first attempt to sign him, they have not been deterred. In contrast, just before the turn of the calendar year Spanish outlet SPORT claimed Arsenal remain firmly in the race for Zubimendi's signature.
The north Londoners are reportedly plotting a January raid for Sociedad's star man, though Arsenal are inevitably not the only huge club interested in the Spain international. La Liga heavyweights Barcelona are also believed to be in the mix.
Ultimately, it could simply come down to who activates Zubimendi's release clause first. £50milion remains the magic number and there is growing belief within the Sociedad hierarchy that the player's days in San Sebastien are numbered as Arsenal's interest lingers.
His current contract runs until the summer of 2027, but Zubimendi is expected to depart either this month or come the end of the campaign. With a lengthy list of potential suitors, where the midfielder ends up next is likely to be down to him and his preference.
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The holding midfielder has spent the entirety of his career at Sociedad, joining the club when he was just 12 years of age. An exit would be a significant step in Zubimendi's progression and he'd likely need assurances of playing time and time to settle, were he to change leagues.
Arsenal signing a midfielder in January could come as a surprise given how well-documented their need for attacking reinforcements is, though Arteta did concede the idea of a mega-money striker arriving this month is unlikely.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Would Zubimendi be a successful signing for Arsenal? Comment below
Martin Zubimendi is wanted by Arsenal (Ricardo Larreina/REX/Shutterstock)Speaking after Sunday's FA Cup elimination at the hands of Liverpool, the Arsenal boss claimed: "At the moment it doesn’t look realistic. My job is to improve our players and get better results with the players we have.
"We have to change momentum, that’s for sure, and we need our players and we need our people as well. In the difficult moments, we stick together and get behind those players that, in my opinion, deserve so much.
"They appreciate that and we stick together and do what we have done in the past. There is nothing new, results will come and enjoyment will come."
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