Arsenal are prepared to trigger the release clause in the contract of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, according to Estadio Deportivo.

The Spanish newspaper claims the Gunners have “shown their willingness to pay” the €60m (£51m) needed to secure the Spanish international’s services.

Zubimendi has been a long-term target for manager Mikel Arteta, who tried to sign him during last year’s January transfer window.

However, talks over a deal are said to have stalled due to the player wanting to remain with his current team.

Arsenal will have rivals for Zubimendi

Estadio Deportivo claim that both Barcelona and Bayern Munich also hold an interest in the 25-year-old, with the former having reportedly already “outraged” Real Sociedad with the way they have gone about pursuing the midfielder.

It is believed that Barca’s sporting director Deco has held talks with Zubimendi’s agent Inaki Ibanez, which hasn’t gone down well. Many believe though that the Catalan club don’t have the resources to pay the €60m needed anyway.

What are Arteta’s priorities for the summer?

While Zubimendi has been on the club’s radar for a while, he may no longer be a priority, especially if Jorginho does sign a contract extension. The Italian international’s current deal expires in June but there is now a strong possibility that he will stay at the Emirates beyond this summer.

That may lead to manager Mikel Arteta focusing his attention on strengthening other positions. The Gunners are said to be keen on bringing in a new No.9. Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres has been closely monitored, while RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee are also well-liked.

There have been suggestions that Arsenal want to recruit a new left-back too and, if they do decide against a move for Zubimendi, it could free up more funds to sign a player for that position instead.