Arsenal could have ‘close’ Martin Zubimendi deal hijacked by Barcelona

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta reviews Newcastle game

Arsenal could have their move for Real Sociedad defensive midfielder Martin Zubimendi hijacked by Barcelona. The Spanish giants are reportedly interested in acquiring his services and have included him on an eight-man shortlist of midfield targets for the summer transfer window.

The list provided by Diario Sport also includes Real Betis’ Guido Rodríguez, Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat, Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante, Inter Milan’s Marcelo Brozovic, Wolves’ Ruben Neves as well as Manchester City stars Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva.

But according to AS, the Gunners are ‘very close’ to signing Zubimendi with a move to Barca being ruled out. The Spanish outlet claim that Barcelona are more keen on Amrabat after narrowly missing out on him in January.

Barcelona are expected to pursue the 26-year-old again in the summer with his contract set to expire in June 2024. The Blaugrana club is confident that they can bring in the Moroccan international for a reasonable price given that he will be available on a free next year. This will be especially beneficial given Barca’s current financial issues.

Zubimendi, meanwhile, has a £53m release clause in his contract. The Spaniard admitted that he wasn’t interested in a move away from Sociedad during the January transfer window, but it appears that he is now open to the proposition past this season.

Speaking to Spanish outlet Sport, he said: “Rumours, rumours, because I told my manager that I didn’t want to hear anything, especially in winter. Leaving Real Sociedad aside with the season we are having would be illogical. Here I am very happy.”

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Zumbimendi has been in solid form for the Sociedad this season, making 39 appearances in all competitions and contributing one goal and three assists. But it is his defensive attributes that have caught the eye of Mikel Arteta.

Between 2019-20 and now, Zubimendi has the highest success rate in aerial duels out of any player who has been involved in at least 150 aerial duels. His 71.1 per cent win ratio places him higher than Steven Nzonzi with 70 per cent and Rodri with 69.5 per cent. He is also among the best in the world for successful interceptions at 77 per cent and clearances at 83 per cent.

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