Arsenal ready to trigger £51m Martin Zubimendi release clause ahead of summer transfer rebuild | OneFootball

Gunners have held long-term interest in Spain star

The Gunners are long-term admirers of Zubimendi, who came close to joining Liverpool last summer.

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.

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 held a long-term interest in Martn Zubimendi

Evening Standard

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.

The arrival of Zubimendi could also have an impact on where Declan Rice plays for Arsenal going forward.

Zubimendi traditionally operates at the base of midfield as a No6 for club and country, which is where Rice was originally bought to play.

Rice, however, shifted to an advanced No8 role last season and excelled as Arsenal won 16 out of their final 18 Premier League games.

Zubimendi’s arrival could see Rice play there more often, alongside club captain Odegaard.