'Ready to listen' - Arsenal handed boost in £50m transfer race for in-demand midfielder

Arsenal are thought to have received a boost in their apparent pursuit of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi. Reports suggest the Spanish side are prepared to listen to offers for the midfielder during the January transfer window. The Gunners were thought to have held an interest in Zubimendi during the summer, but no move was made as Arsenal opted to sign his teammate Mikel Merino for a fee of £27m instead.

According to CaughtOffside, Real Sociedad are likely to demand a fee of around £60m for Zubimendi, but they report that Arsenal would reportedly want to send an offer around the £50m mark which could spark negotiations.

The defensive midfielder has made 17 appearances so far this season, scoring one goal and providing two assists. He has helped Sociedad to a distinctly average start to the season as they sit 10th in the league after 14 matches.

Arsenal meanwhile will be keen to add midfield depth in January due to the fact that they have faced injury issues in the first half of the season, with the likes of Martin Odegaard having to sit out for two months. It has left the Gunners in fourth place and nine points behind league leaders Liverpool who come off the back of a 3-2 win against Southampton to keep them at the top of the table.

Arsenal title rivals also keen on Zubimendi

The Gunners aren’t the only top Premier League side to have been linked with Zubimendi, with Liverpool also said to have had heavy interest over the summer. They, like Arsenal, could be prepared to send an offer for the midfielder in January.

Arne Slot’s side has immediate quality in midfield with the likes of Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis MacAllister, however, they don’t have much depth beyond which could prompt the Reds to sign Zubimendi to help with their title push this season.

Furthermore, the report also suggests that Manchester City could make a January move for Zubimendi to replace Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, who will remain injured for most of the season. Pep Guardiola could bring the Spaniard in to help reignite City’s title challenge.

Zubimendi could replace Arsenal players set to leave in summer

If the Gunners decide to sign the midfielder, he would prove to be a good replacement for either Thomas Partey or Jorginho whose contracts expire at the end of this season. It is unlikely that Arsenal will extend either deal.

Partey has been useful this season due to his versatility but as he is 31 and moving towards the latter stages of his career, it is unlikely that his deal at the Emirates will get extended. Jorginho has struggled to get regular game time under Arteta, and he may want a move away to get more minutes late in his career.