Arsenal are expected to make the signing of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi a “priority” this summer, according to CaughtOffside.com.
The website claims that the existence of a €60m (£51m) release clause means the Spanish international would be a much cheaper alternative than someone like Douglas Luiz.
The Aston Villa midfielder has been a target for the Gunners in past transfer windows but it has been suggested that his club could demand a fee closer to £100m.
Moreover, there have been reports in recent days that the Brazilian international could be offered a new contract, making a transfer even less likely if he signs on the dotted line.
Zubimendi is being targeted in case a current Arsenal star leaves
Jorginho’s contract at the Emirates expires at the end of the season. When the Italian joined from Chelsea in January last year, he put pen to paper on an 18-month contract.
The Gunners are thought to have an option to extend the midfielder’s stay for an additional year but the player has been heavily linked with a move back to Italy.
Caught Offside report that Zubimendi has been identified as a “like-for-like replacement for Jorginho,” and the fact that he is 7 years younger is a major plus point.
Arsenal have tried to sign the Spaniard before
Reports last year suggested that Mikel Arteta’s side were willing to pay Zubimendi’s buyout fee but the midfielder made it clear that he wasn’t interested in moving to London at the time. It was then that the Gunners moved on to sign Jorginho instead.
However, it does appear as if Zubimendi is open to a transfer to the Premier League this summer, and it looks like Arsenal are now lining up a potential bid.
