'They're afraid': Bayern Munich are now worried Arsenal will sign £53m player – journalist

Arsenal have been linked with a move for Martin Zubimendi for quite some time now.

The Spanish midfielder has been on the Gunners’ radar for a good 18 months at this point, and while the north London club haven’t made their move yet, it looks as though this is one to watch heading into the summer.

Indeed, it’s been claimed that Arsenal are indeed very keen on Zubimendi, and according to Christian Falk, those within Bayern Munich also believe that the Gunners could make this move.

Speaking to CaughtOffside, Falk says that Bayern Munich are also interested in the £53m man, but they are afraid that Arsenal could beat them to the punch this summer.

Zubimendi Arsenal

Photo by Ion Alcoba Beitia/Getty Images

Bayern scared of Arsenal

Falk shared what he knows about Zubimendi.

“He has a release clause of €60m, which is why he’s so interesting. Bayern Munich are pushing for him and it’s also interesting that Xabi Alonso is with the same agency. Bayern executives are watching him closely as a potential coach for the Bavarian outfit,” Falk said.

“Bayern also heard that Mikel Arteta is already talking to the player. They’re both Spanish as well, which is a big advantage for Arsenal.

“Bayern were very sure that they would lead the race for Zubimendi but now that Arsenal are there, they’re afraid of the Gunners and afraid that Mikel Arteta could take this player away, which had been a planned move for the summer.”

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Arteta’s edge

Bayern may be right to be afraid of Arsenal in this race.

Not only is the money in the Premier League ridiculous these days, but as Falk says, Arteta’s Spanish links may help Arsenal here.

Not only is Arteta Spanish, he’s actually from San Sebastien, the exact same place Zubimendi is from.

There’s a huge amount of Basque pride with Zubimendi, hence why he’s stayed at Sociedad for so long, and while it may be painful to leave San Sebastien, that blow would be softened if he’s joining Arsenal to work with another manager from that reguion, and, in his own way, continue to fly the Basque flag in the Premier League.

Mikel Arteta’s presence at Arsenal may well give the Gunners an edge here.