Arsenal ready to trigger £51m Martin Zubimendi release clause ahead of summer transfer rebuild
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Arsenal are pursuing a summer deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi. The Gunners are long-term admirers of Zubimendi, who came close to joining Liverpool last summer. The midfielder has a release-clause in his current contract worth €60million (£51m), which Arsenal are believed to be ready to meet.
Arsenal need to invest in their midfield this summer as both Jorginho and Thomas Partey will be out of contract. The pair, who are both over 30 years old, are yet to hold contract talks with Arsenal and Mikel Arteta confirmed last month he would prefer any negotiations to take place nearer the summer.
Zubimendi will turn 26 next month and is regarded as one of the best holding midfielders in Europe. Liverpool tried to sign him last summer, but the Spaniard opted to stay at his boyhood club. Zubimendi has more recently been linked with a move to Manchester City, who are searching for replacements for the injured Rodri this month.
Arsenal have a history of dealing with Real Sociedad after signing Mikel Merino from them last summer for over £30m. The club also loaned left-back Kieran Tierney to Sociedad for the duration of last season, too. Zubimendi joining Arsenal would see him reunited with Merino and also Martin Odegaard, who spent a season on loan at Sociedad six years ago.
