“They can have him” – Club Manager plead defeat as Arsenal beats down European Team in the chase for ‘Highly gifted Superstar’ Gunners now in to complete next signing of the season!
Barcelona are ready to accept defeat in their pursuit of £53 million Real Sociedad enforcer Martin Zubimendi with the La Liga enforcer now ‘very close’ to Premier League leaders Arsenal, according to Sport.
Such is the prosperity of Sociedad’s remarkable academy, you can probably expect Zubimendi to be sold, and then immediately replaced by another baby-faced, homegrown youngster who learned all he knows behind the scenes at the Cantera.
23-year-old Zubimendi emerged onto the scene following Diego Llorente’s departure to Leeds United during the summer of 2020; almost immediately cementing his place at the heart of Sociedad’s midfield.
Capped once by Spain, Zubimendi has started all but two La Liga matches this season for a Txuri Urdin side just three points adrift of Real Madrid in second.
And, with Sergio Busquets very much into the autumn of his career, Barcelona had identified Zubimendi as a readymade replacement for one of the 21st century’s most successful footballers. The San Sebastien-born enforcer was, Sport says, Xavi Hernandez’s ‘big request’ for 2023.
But Barca know when they are beaten. Zubimendi’s £53 million release clause, plus his interest in a move to Arsenal, has the Kings of Catalonia accepting defeat.
ARSENAL COULD BEAT BARCELONA TO MARTIN ZUBIMENDI OF REAL SOCIEDAD
Zubimendi reportedly feels that a big-money move to the Emirates represents a ‘unique opportunity’. He is now ‘very close to the London club’, with Mikel Arteta a big admirer. Zubimendi also shares an agent with the Gunners boss; a fact which should, in theory, make negotiations between the two parties that little bit easier.
“He is more physical and faster than Busi (Buesquets), who is better technically,” says 2010 World Cup winner Xavi; speaking ahead of Barcelona’s 1-0 Copa del Rey quarter-final victory over Real Sociedad in midweek.
“Zubimendi is a great player.”
The Times back up Arsenal’s interest in one of Spain’s rising stars. Arteta has already admitted that he wants a new midfielder this month; Mohamed Elneny’s long-term injury lay-off leaving Arsenal with short in the centre of the park.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are testing Brighton’s resolve with an eye-watering bid for Moises Caicedo. Juventus’ Weston McKennie is another option, but the USA international appears to be on his way to Leeds United.
