Arsenal could reportedly rival Manchester City and Liverpool for the signature of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
The 25-year-old has developed into one of the most valued deep-lying midfielders in Europe during his time with La Liga side Real Sociedad, where he has spent his entire career and has made a total of 204 appearances in all competitions.
Zubimendi played in 31 La Liga games for Imanol Alguacil's side as they finished sixth in the table last season, while he also made four appearances in Spain's triumphant Euro 2024 campaign.
The midfielder has played down suggestions that he is keen to leave the Reale Arena, where he is under contract until June 2027, but that has not stopped the rumour mill from linking him with a big-money switch to the Premier League.
Indeed, Zubimendi's rise in recent years has caught the attention of several top European clubs including Liverpool, who tried and failed to secure his services last summer.
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Arsenal to move for Zubimendi in 2025?
It is understood that Liverpool still hold an interest in Zubimendi, but The Athletic claims that the Reds no longer view signing a holding midfielder as a priority due to the form of Ryan Gravenberch under new boss Arne Slot this season.
Man City, meanwhile, are said to be exploring the possibility of signing Zubimendi in January and his €60m (£49.9m) release clause is 'not an obstacle' for the Citizens as well as other interested parties.
According to The Independent, Arsenal are now the latest club who are 'monitoring' Zubimendi's situation as they weight up a potential move for the Spaniard in 2025.
Zubimendi turned down the chance to join Liverpool last summer, but it is understood that he will be allowed to leave his boyhood club for the right offer in the future.
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Why does Arteta want Zubimendi at Arsenal?
The report states that Mikel Arteta wants to add a new No.6 to his Arsenal team to ensure they have 'maximum tactical options' in his midfield.
Arteta is said to want a number of different defensive-midfield options, including a pure passer, a physical presence and someone who is press-resistant, so that he can reconfigure his midfield for any given match.
Arsenal signed Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad last summer for an initial £27.5m and the Spaniard is one of six midfield options in Arteta's current squad along with captain Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, Jorginho, Thomas Partey and Ethan Nwaneri.
Kai Havertz has also dropped back into midfield, although he has predominantly played further forward this season, with the German preferred up front ahead of Gabriel Jesus.
Arsenal's interest in Zubimendi comes at a time when they are being linked with Real Sociedad's director of football Roberto Olabe, who is leaving the La Liga club at the end of the season and is said to have been identified as a potential replacement for Edu.
Oliver Thomas
