08 February 2023 , 20:19
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Arsenal may have a clear run at Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi this summer thanks to Barcelona turning their transfer focus elsewhere.
The two European giants were linked with Zubimendi, 24, during the January transfer window but the Spaniard decided to stay put at his boyhood club. Real Sociedad are enjoying a fantastic season, sitting third in LaLiga, and could secure Champions League qualification.
Given Zubimendi's nationality and his one cap for La Roja, Barca may have been confident that he would choose Camp Nou over Emirates Stadium if push came to shove and bids were formally submitted this summer. However, Xavi's priorities appear to lie elsewhere, presenting Mikel Arteta the chance to bolster his midfield after missing out on Moises Caicedo during a fractious January saga.
According to Spanish outlet Marca, Barca veteran Sergio Busquets is willing to sign a one-season contract extension despite confirming his decision to leave the Blaugrana at the end of the season. The report claims the 34-year-old, who captains the club, is willing to take a drastic pay cut in order to satisfy former teammate Xavi, who is desperate for him to stay.
On top of Busquets potentially extending his stay at Barca, the Camp Nou hierarchy is prioritising a summer swoop for Sofyan Amrabat, according to Mundo Deportivo. The 26-year-old helped Morocco make history by reaching the semi-finals of the World Cup in Qatar and is out of contract at Fiorentina next year.
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The second report from the continent notes Amrabat 'only thinks' of being a Barca player after his impressive rise in Serie A. If Busquets was to extend his contract and Amrabat was to arrive in Catalonia this summer, that would leave little room in the squad for Zubimendi, given the other midfield talents Xavi has at his disposal.
Which midfielder should Arsenal sign this summer? Have your say in the comments!
Sergio Busquets may yet stay at Barcelona for another season (Getty Images)That can only be a good thing for Arsenal, who appear very likely to pursue a new central midfielder this summer. Brighton stood firm in the face of two bids from the Gunners for Caicedo in January and the Seagulls' stance over the Ecuadorian is unknown ahead of the next transfer window.
Declan Rice is another name linked with the north Londoners but David Moyes has declared it will take a British-record sum to force West Ham to sell their prized asset. This means any interested party will need to surpass the £105million Chelsea paid to sign Enzo Fernandez from Benfica in January.
Zubimendi could be a more affordable option for the Gunners as his release clause is set at £53million. This season, he has scored once and provided two assists in 21 appearances in all competitions.