Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has become the apple of many eyes in recent years, from Barcelona to Bayern Munich, to Arsenal, to Liverpool and now back to Arsenal. In recent days it has been reported that the Gunners are in advanced talks with Zubimendi, but Arsenal should not count the chickens just yet.
Zubimendi has a release clause of €60 million, which Arsenal are willing to pay. Although they may be in negotiations with Zubimendi's agents, Noticias de Gipuzkoa assures that he will not make a decision on his future until the summer. It wouldn't be the first time a Premier League side has been confident of a deal, but Zubimendi will see a turnaround, as happened with Liverpool last summer.
It is now believed that it is unlikely that Zubimendi would remain at La Real next season, with several clubs willing to activate that release clause away from Arsenal. Manchester City remain in the race for Zubimendi, but the Basque club note that the biggest threat to Arsenal's hopes is Real Madrid. If Los Blancos sign Xabi Alonso this summer, the temptation for Zubimendi to work under his idol could be too hard to resist.
Real Madrid have reportedly identified Zubimendi, alongside Rodri Hernandez, as their main target for the midfield position next summer as they feel they have lacked control without Toni Kroos this season. If Los Balncos want to make a move, it seems likely that they too, following on from their activities, will look to open talks in the early stages of this year.
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