Arsenal transfer news: Barcelona target Arteta’s main summer objective

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Arsenal have reportedly made Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi a priority for the summer, with FC Barcelona also interested in signing the 24-year-old.

According to Sport, the north London club see Zubimendi as a ‘main objective’ for the upcoming transfer window, with Mikel Arteta keen to sign one or two central midfielders ahead of Arsenal’s long-awaited return to the UEFA Champions League.

While the likes of Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo have been heavily linked with Arsenal, Zubimendi has emerged as another target for the north London side in recent weeks. However, Barcelona are also firmly in the running for the La Liga talent.

But, as per the report, Arsenal are viewed in Spain as the favourites to sign Zubimendi, who has a €60m (£52m) release clause, a fee the Gunners will have to pay with Sociedad unwilling to allow one of their star players to leave in the summer transfer window.

Indeed, Arsenal could be an alluring prospect for Zubimendi given just how good the Premier League side have now become under Mikel Arteta, another product of Sociedad’s famed youth academy. And this link to the Basque Country could actually help the north London side in beating Barcelona to the midfielder.

Although Barcelona could still appeal hugely to Zubimendi, Arsenal and Arteta have many tricks up their sleeves that could make the Gunners the firm favourite to bring the midfielder to England, with the 24-year-old an ideal alternative for the likes of Rice and Caicedo for the Premier League leaders.

Arsenal signing Zubimendi could be a shrewd deal for Arteta this summer

Central midfield is clearly the position Arteta wants to improve the most in the summer, with long-term replacements and immediate cover for Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka a priority for the Arsenal boss. And whilst Zubimendi might not be first-choice, the Sociedad star could be a shrewd deal in the making.

Hailed as one of the best midfielders in La Liga and a player who has drawn comparisons to San Sebatisian’s most famous son, Xabi Alonso, Zubimendi could be ideal for what Arsenal need in midfield going forward. And at £52m, the 24-year-old will be a cheaper option than the likes of Rice or Caicedo.