However, there are growing conversations behind the scenes and increasing discussions around the 26-year-old Gunners target at Real Madrid.
The La Liga table leaders want the Spaniard but Arsenal are pursuing a deal for the midfielder and are looking to activate his €60 million release clause in the coming months.
Liverpool heavily pursued Zubimendi last summer, but he opted to remain at Sociedad.
Arsenal have been working on a move for the Euro 2024 winner for a while, with manager Mikel Arteta the key driver behind it.
Bringing the Spaniard to the North London club would allow Declan Rice to settle into one position as the left No 8, potentially solidifying that side of a team who have struggled to match the effectiveness of their right flank over the past few years.
Zubimendi’s strengths include winning aerial duels, playing through balls and blocking the ball, and Arsenal could do with his qualities in their team.
However, luring him to the Emirates Stadium club could prove tricky after Madrid registered a concrete interest in him.
Remaining in Spain to continue plying his trade at arguably the biggest club on the planet could be more appealing to the Sociedad star than leaving everything behind to move to London.
Madrid have won six of the last 11 Champions League titles, while Arsenal have never won the elite European competition, which could play a huge role as Zubimendi makes a decision ahead of a major career move.
The Gunners are expected to lose both Thomas Partey and Jorginho at the end of the season, and signing the Spanish holding midfielder could be huge for them if they can pip Madrid to his services.
0 Comments