Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has become the apple of many eyes in recent years, from Barcelona to Bayern Munich, to Arsenalto Liverpool, and now back to Arsenal again. It has been reported in recent days that the Gunners are in advanced talks with Zubimendi, but Arsenal should not count their chickens.
Zubimendi has a release clause of 60 million euros, which Arsenal are willing to pay, and while they may be in negotiations with Zubimendi's agents, News from Gipuzkoa assures that he will not make a decision on his future until the summer. It would not be the first time that a Premier League team was confident of an agreement only to see Zubimendi U-turn, as happened to Liverpool last summer.
It is now believed unlikely that Zubimendi will remain at La Real next season, with various clubs willing to trigger that release clause beyond Arsenal. Manchester City remain in the race for Zubimendi, but the Basque outlet note that the biggest threat to Arsenal's hopes is Real Madrid. If Los Blancos hire Xabi Alonso in the summer, the temptation for Zubimendi to work under his idol may be too difficult to refuse.
Real Madrid have stated that Zubimendi, alongside Rodri Hernandez, is their main target for the midfield position next summer, feeling that they have lacked control this season without Toni Kroos. If Los Balncos are to make a move, it seems likely, following the model of their activity, they will also attempt to open discussions in the early stages of this year.
