Arsenal have decided against making a bid for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi this summer, according to Bild reporter Christian Falk.
Speaking on the FC Bayern Insider podcast (quotes via GiveMeSport), Falk said that the Gunners were initially willing to trigger the Spaniard’s €60m (£51m) buyout fee but they have now decided to move on to other targets:
“Arsenal are also backing away [from Martin Zubimendi], although they were actually prepared to pay the €60million exit clause. But in the end, they didn’t want Zubimendi for playing reasons. [Mikel] Arteta is also Spanish and they are said to have been very close.”
Bayern Munich and Barcelona have also been credited with an interest in Zubimendi over the past year so it remains to be seen if he joins one of those two teams instead.
Signing a midfielder is lower down the list of priorities
Arsenal have limited resources this summer due to the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules so spending £51m on a player like Zubimendi didn’t seem that realistic.
You do feel that the decision has probably been influenced by the club handing a contract extension to Jorginho, who plays in a similar position to the Spanish international.
Who will Arsenal target instead?
You can’t completely rule out a midfielder being signed, especially if Thomas Partey is sold, but manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu are expected to focus on strengthening other positions.
It seems as if the club’s top target at the moment is Benjamin Sesko. The RB Leipzig striker has a €65m (£55m) release clause in his contract and the player is currently deciding on whether to join the Gunners, Chelsea or Manchester United.
In terms of other positions, a move for a left-back or centre-back could be considered if the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko or Jakub Kiwior depart, while a replacement for Aaron Ramsdale will be needed.
