Arsenal are still keen on recruiting Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The Gunners were first linked with the Spanish international in January last year before the player ultimately decided to remain in San Sebastian.
However, it is believed that Mikel Arteta’s side are seriously contemplating another attempt to secure Zubimendi’s services.
They won’t be the only Premier League team interested this time either, with Mundo Deportivo claiming that there are “several” English sides “willing” to pay the 24-year-old’s release clause during the current transfer window.
While Arsenal are the only club mentioned by name, it does suggest that there will be fierce competition for Zubimendi if they pursue his signature this month.
Can Arsenal afford to sign the player?
Zubimendi signed a £50,000 a week contract with Real Sociedad in October 2022, keeping him with the La Liga side until the end of the 2026/27 campaign.
However, it included a €60m (£52m) buyout fee that the Gunners seriously contemplated triggering last year. Considering that Arteta’s team are now restricted in what they can do due to FFP constraints, it may no longer be a realistic purchase.
Zubimendi may not be interested in moving clubs anyway
The midfielder is very much at home in San Sebastian, having come through the club’s youth system. He is a regular starter in a team that has qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League.
On top of that, Zubimendi may feel that moving clubs this month could risk jeopardising his place in the Spain squad for Euro 2024. You do feel that, if Arsenal do make an approach for the player, it will come next summer, when both parties may be in a better place to complete the deal.
