MX23RW : Monday, May 20 18:04:46| >> :60:1352:1352:

Mikel Arteta 'asks Arsenal to sign Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi'

Mikel Arteta 'asks Arsenal to sign Martin Zubimendi'
© Reuters
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta reportedly asks the North London club to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi in the summer transfer window.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has reportedly asked the Gunners to make an attempt to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi in the summer transfer window.

The Gunners tried to strengthen their midfield in January by submitting £60m and £70m bids for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo.

The Seagulls subsequently rejected both offers, and Arsenal turned their focus to signing Jorginho from London rivals Chelsea.

Despite adding the Italy international to their ranks, the Gunners are still keen to bolster their midfield during the summer transfer window.

West Ham United's Declan Rice has reportedly been identified as their primary target, but Arteta also wants to sign Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta reacts on February 11, 2023© Reuters

According to Sport, the Arsenal manager has urged the Gunners to make an effort to recruit the 24-year-old.

Zubimendi has risen through the youth ranks at the Basque club, where he has gone on to make 124 appearances for the first team, contributing four goals and five assists.

Having started 19 of the club's 21 league games this season, the midfielder has been a key figure in a Real Sociedad side that currently sit in third place in the La Liga table.

Barcelona are also interested in Zubimendi, as they view him as a potential replacement for Sergio Busquets who is out of contract at the end of the season.

The Catalan giants are waiting for Busquets to decide whether he wants to sign an extension with the club or move on to fresh pastures amid interest from MLS side Inter Miami.

Barcelona captain Sergio Busquets on October 16, 2022© Reuters

Barcelona's current financial situation could make it difficult for them to compete with Arsenal for Zubimendi, who has a contract until June 2027.

Real Sociedad are reluctant to accept anything less than his release clause, which is believed to be around €60m (£53m).

Meanwhile, on the pitch, Arsenal were replaced at the top of the Premier League table by Man City after they were beaten 3-1 by Pep Guardiola's side on Wednesday.

Having failed to win their last four matches in all competitions, Arsenal will be looking to return to winning ways when they face Aston Villa on Saturday.

ID:506824:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4536:

Click here for more stories about Mikel Arteta

Click here for more stories about Arsenal

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi pictured in December 2021
Read Next:
Arsenal 'handed boost in Zubimendi pursuit as Barcelona cool interest'
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CManchester CityMan City38287396346291
2Arsenal38285591296289
3Liverpool382410486414582
4Aston Villa382081076611568
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs382061274611366
6Chelsea381891177631463
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle381861485622360
8Manchester UnitedMan Utd38186145758-160
9West Ham UnitedWest Ham381410146074-1452
10Crystal Palace381310155758-149
11Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton381212145562-748
12Bournemouth38139165467-1348
13Fulham38138175561-647
14Wolverhampton WanderersWolves38137185065-1546
15Everton38139164051-1140
16Brentford38109195665-939
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3899204967-1832
RLuton TownLuton3868245285-3326
RBurnley3859244178-3724
RSheffield UnitedSheff Utd38372835104-6916


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!