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Arsenal ‘want to sign’ Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi
Speaking on Give Me Sport, Dean Jones confirmed that Martin Zubimendi is aware that Arsenal want to sign him and the Gunner are well placed to sign the Real Sociedad star if he comes to England.
It is becoming increasingly evident that Thomas Partey’s time at Emirates is drawing to a close. So, Mikel Arteta will have to look for his replacement and several players are being linked with a move to the Gunners.
Zubimendi is emerging as Arsenal prime target with widespread reports suggesting that Arteta is targeting a move for the Sociedad star, but Liverpool have also been credited with an interest.
Jones was asked whether Liverpool had a decent chance of signing Zubimendi. Of which, he said the Reds will have a good chance if Bayer Leverkusen coach Xavi Alonso succeeds Jurgen Klopp. Jurgen Klopp, as previously reported, will leave Liverpool at the end of the season.
Arsenal lead Zubimendi race
Aside from the Alonso factor, Jones notes that the La Liga midfielder has a tough call to make about his future. He believes the 25-year-old will be picky about which team he joins, but acknowledges the player knows Arsenal’s interest in signing him with Arteta a big fan.
Jones further claims that Arsenal boss Arteta, who previously played for Real Sociedad, may have an effect on the transfer fight. He speculates that the Arsenal manager may have connections to Real Sociedad and the region, which put the Londoners in a good position to sign Zubimendi if he comes to England.
When asked how Alonso joining Liverpool would affect Zubimendi’s future, Jones told GiveMeSport:
“It would give Zubimendi a big decision to make. First and foremost, I think the player wants to consider his options carefully and be sure that if he is going to move to the Premier League, it’s the club that fits him. He doesn’t want to make a misstep at this stage of his career, from what I understand,” said Jones.
“Obviously, Mikel Arteta is a big admirer of his, and he knows that Arsenal want to sign him. Arteta has his own links to Real Sociedad and the region, so that’s good from an Arsenal perspective.”
Every day provides new information on Zubimendi’s potential transfer to Arsenal and the speculation is intensifying ahead of the summer window.
His current deal with Sociedad, which he signed in 2022, runs until 2027. However, Football London claims that Zubimendi has a £52m release clause so Arsenal know how much it will take to secure a deal.
Liverpool could provide stiff competition, especially if Alonso replaces Klopp at Anfield, but it appears Arsenal are well positioned to sign Zubimendi in the summer.