SUMMER SIGNING: Arsenal leading race to sign €40m-rated Spain international

Arsenal have a clear path towards £53m-rated Martin Zubimendi in the summer. The 24-year-old midfielder is also a crucial target for Barcelona, but Xavi may have another footballer as an alternative. Martin showed determination to give Real Sociedad continuity mid-season when some top teams came calling for his signature.

Among those were Arsenal and Barcelona, who were keen on signing Zubimendi last month. Considering his good form and Real Sociedad’s position (third) in La Liga, the midfielder did not envisage departing midway through the season.

In the summer, Zubimendi could leave his boyhood club for a different challenge and join one of the giants of European football. In any case, the Gunners’ priority target seems like Declan Rice, with the club willing to break the bank for the midfielder.

Moises Caicedo could become a fallback option alongside other names like Edson Alvarez and Zubimendi. Widespread reports suggest Mikel Arteta is keen on Declan Rice but would stay open to signing two midfielders next summer.

So the Gunners could remain interested in the Spaniard irrespective of their pursuit of Declan Rice. Zubimendi has a straightforward £53m release clause. While the Gunners are chasing the Barcelona target, the Catalan giants may have dropped out of the race.

As for the Gunners, they may not consider the Spanish midfielder a priority target yet. But he does feature on their shortlist. Declan Rice remains Mikel Arteta’s main target. But if Arsenal look to secure an additional midfielder, the Real Sociedad man could become their preferred man.