Real Sociedad send message to Arsenal over Martin Zubimendi transfer | Football

Advertisement

Arsenal have already failed with an approach to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi (Getty)

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.

Real Sociedad v Manchester United: Group E - UEFA Europa League

Martin Zubimendi is viewed by Barcelona as a possible successor to Sergio Busquets (Getty)

Arsenal have been exploring alternatives to Zubimendi and both Brighton’s Moises Caicedo and Everton’s Amadou Onana are being considered.

Caicedo, who was the subject of a failed £50m bid from Chelsea earlier this month, is valued at around £100m by Brighton.

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.

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, 
Twitter and Instagram.

Arsenal FC

Share your story or advertise with us: Whatsapp: +2347068606071 Email: info@newspotng.com


LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here