Premier League giants Arsenal are likely to have a free run at Martin Zubimendi this summer as La Liga leaders Barcelona simply cannot afford to meet the Real Sociedad star’s £52 million price-tag.
That is according to Mundo Deportivo; reports linking Zubimendi with a move to Mikel Arteta’s side increasing in volume and velocity.
AS suggested on Thursday that the Real Sociedad academy graduate is now ‘very close’ to accepting an offer that would see him join fellow Spaniard Arteta at the Emirates Stadium.
Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez has made no secret of his own admiration for Zubimendi. But, with the Blaugrana facing up to another summer of cost-cutting and lever-pulling – they will reportedly need to raise over £150 million via player sales before bringing in any new faces – there is an acceptance that Zubimendi is simply too expensive.
There is a £52 million release clause in the 24-year-old’s contract. Sociedad, who beat Real Madrid 2-0 in midweek to boost their Champions League hopes, are unlikely to sell for less.
Is Martin Zubimendi really heading to Arsenal?
One of the breakthrough stars of the current La Liga campaign, Zubimendi may not be guaranteed a starting spot at Arsenal but he’d certainly enhance the depth available to Arteta. A deep-lying, defensively-minded midfielder who has accumulated more cards than the Funky Pigeon website; Zubimendi would provide some much-needed competition for Thomas Partey.
One of the genuinely ‘irreplaceable’ members of Arteta’s current squad.
“I think (Zubimendi will cost) about £50 or £60 million. That’s the buyout clause. I wouldn’t do a deal if I was Real Sociedad. I would insist a club pay all of the money in one go. Pay the buyout clause,” Spanish football expert Terry Gibson tells El Tel and Jon’s La Liga Weekly podcast.
“There will come a time where money talks, unfortunately. And the player will realise that he’s going to quadruple his salary if he goes to the Premier League.
“(Zubimendi) is a super player. If he is linked with anybody, and Barcelona and Real Madrid have the money, they’ll buy him as well. I think there will be competition. Barcelona would love to have him as a long-term replacement for (Sergio) Busquets.”
Zubimendi recently played down reports suggesting he could be on his way out of San Sebastien. He was, he said, looking forward to a ‘quiet summer’.
But the chance to play Champions League football, under one of Europe’s most exciting young coaches, may be sufficient to twist his arm, especially when taking into account the strides Martin Odegaard, Ben White, William Saliba and co have all made under Arteta’s stewardship.
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