Real Sociedad inform Arsenal of asking price for third January transfer
Real Sociedad have reportedly informed Arsenal that they will have to pay more than £50million if they are to successfully sign Martin Zubimendi.
The Gunners are keen to bring in a new midfielder before the end of the current window as Mikel Arteta seeks to continue his side's Premier League title push. Zubimendi has arisen as a target amid his impressive performances in LaLiga for Sociedad.
He has made 23 appearances in all competitions so far this term, with the White and Blues enjoying a successful season. They currently sit third in the Spanish top-flight and are well-placed to secure a spot in next season's Champions League.
With a place in Europe's premier club competition within their grasp, it appears Sociedad will not allow their star midfielder to leave without a fight. According to The Times, the Spanish side have informed Arsenal they will have to pay his full release clause if he is to go.
That release clause sits at £52.8m, with Sociedad said to be aware of Arsenal's growing interest in Zubimendi. An injury to Mohamed Elneny has left the Gunners short of cover for Thomas Partey.
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Zubimendi has emerged as a target for this month as a result, though he only signed a new long-term contract three months ago. The high release clause has left Sociedad 'confident' they can keep hold of him.
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Zubimendi has starred for Real Sociedad and is also being eyed by Barcelona (Ion Alcoba/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)The Spanish international is said to be facing a tough decision amid Arsenal's growing interest, given he came up through their academy. If they did sell him, he would be the second most expensive sale in Sociedad's history.
Arsenal are also facing competition from Barcelona for Zubimendi's signature, with boss Xavi keen to bring in a successor to Sergio Busquets. Barca defeated Sociedad in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday, with Xavi making his admiration for Zubimendi clear.
“He is more physical and faster than Busi, who is better technically. But it’s not just Zubimendi, it’s all the players in midfield. We have a great team visiting us. Zubimendi is a great player,” Xavi said ahead of the game.
“Players like Zubimendi, Brais, Silva and Merino feel very comfortable when they have possession of the ball. If we don’t dominate the ball, we will suffer. Real Sociedad do a lot of things well and their style is very similar to ours.
“It depends on the generation. Barça and Real Sociedad work in the same way in grassroots football. Sometimes there are a lot of midfielders, and sometimes players from other positions. Yes, perhaps we lack a natural replacement for Busquets in the pivot.
"But we are very happy with youngsters like Araujo, Gavi, Balde, Eric, and company. I expect little movement. I’ve said that from day one. Especially in terms of new signings, I’m calm. I’m not ruling anything out, but for the moment there is no news.”
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