Real Sociedad have made it clear to Arsenal that they will need to activate Martin Zubimendi’s €60 million (£52.6m) release clause, according to reports.
The Premier League leaders are in the market for a new central midfielder before the January transfer window closes as Mohamed Elneny is now likely to miss the remainder of the season.
Reports in Spain over the weekend claimed that Arsenal had made an approach for Zubimendi but the 23-year-old has turned down a move to Mikel Arteta’s side this month as he wants to see out the campaign with Real Sociedad.
According to The Times, Real Sociedad are confident that Zubimendi will not make a late U-turn this month and have informed Arsenal that the midfielder’s €60m (£52.6m) release clause will need to be triggered in order for the transfer to happen.
Arsenal also face competition from Barcelona as they view Zubimendi as a potential successor to Sergio Busquets, who is set to leave Camp Nou when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Arsenal have been exploring alternatives to Zubimendi and both Brighton’s Moises Caicedo and Everton’s Amadou Onana are being considered.
Onana, meanwhile, could be a more realistic target as Everton are open to selling the midfielder for £50m despite their threat of relegation from the Premier League.
The 21-year-old, who has impressed since joining from Lille last summer, has already rejected a move to Chelsea, who are also looking to sign a new central midfielder this month.
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