Report: Bayern Munich monitoring Arsenal target Martín Zubimendi as Joshua Kimmich alternative

As Bayern Munich continues efforts to extend defensive midfielder and junior captain Joshua Kimmich, a familiar name is popping up on the rumor mill: Real Sociedad and Spanish men’s national team star Martín Zubimendi.

Could the 25-year-old, a talented No. 6 in his own right, be an alternative for the Bavarians should Kimmich decide to leave?

From Sky Sport DE reporter Florian Plettenberg:

FC Bayern continue to monitor Martin #Zubimendi. While @Arsenal are showing very concrete interest and pushing a lot to sign him next summer!

⚠️ Zubimendi’s release clause in the summer is set at €60 million. Real Sociedad are unwilling to negotiate, and the 25-year-old Spaniard will not be available for a lower price.

Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Liverpool are also keeping a close eye on the situation. @SkySportDE

Arsenal FC — or another club — could activate the clause and take Zubimendi off the market by the end of the current transfer window. But if that does not happen, the Bavarians could begin to seriously explore an alternative to Kimmich.

Of course, it still seems that a Kimmich extension would be the cleanest solution for all involved — particularly if an option like Zubimendi proves difficult, or expensive, to obtain.