Last January, Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi reportedly rejected an opportunity to join Arsenal. The Gunners had shown willingness to pay €60 million last summer and have continued to maintain an interest in him.
On December 1st, Sport reported the north London club are still in the picture to sign the 24-year-old. Meanwhile, Wednesday’s Mundo Deportivo suggests Arsenal could consider making an approach for the defensive midfielder in January.
Arsenal ready to pay €60 million
His fine displays for the La Liga side have seen both Arsenal and Barcelona regularly being named as contenders for Zubimendi. He has a €60 million termination clause in a deal that lasts until 2027.
It is explained that there are some clubs ‘willing to pay’ €60m to sign the Spain international as early as this month and Mundo suggest Arsenal are one of them.
Why the Gunners are still willing to sign the 24-year-old is a bit debatable. There is no doubt that Zubimendi is a world-class player, however the question is whether he is needed at the Emirates stadium or not. Arsenal signed Declan Rice in the summer for £105 million, who likes to play in a similar role.
Arsenal will have to convince Zubimendi
As it stands, neither La Real nor the player’s entourage can guarantee that he’ll be at the club beyond January. A potential deal depends mainly on the player, who hasn’t decided to leave Real Sociedad so far.
Zubimendi was born in San Sebastian and has so far been reluctant to push for a move; even when there was interest from Barcelona. Therefore, it wouldn’t just be a case of paying the clause. Arsenal or another club have to convince Zubimendi to have a chance of securing his services in January.
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