There has been persistent interest from the London-based club in signing the Spanish midfielder Zubimendi, with reports suggesting that Arsenal are one of the few teams capable of paying the £52 million release clause for the player.
While Arsenal were keen on signing him last winter, the player chose to stay with the La Liga outfit, Sociedad and reiterated his desire to continue with them last summer.
According to Mundo Deportivo, several teams can afford to pay the release clause for the 24-year-old midfielder, but Arsenal will have to persuade him to leave Sociedad.
Manager Mikel Arteta is a big admirer of his Spanish compatriot and Arsenal are hopeful of finally landing the signature of the talented midfielder.
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Zubimendi has a good passing success rate of 86% in the Spanish top-flight league this season.
However, his main strengths are his ball recoveries and aerial dominance.
He has won an impressive 68% of his aerial duels for Sociedad this season.
These qualities make him an ideal fit for the defensive midfield role that Arsenal is looking to fill.
While Sociedad will be compelled to sell the player if a club triggers his release clause, it ultimately depends on the player’s consent to move.
Arsenal will have to work hard to convince him to make a move to the Emirates Stadium this month, given that he may have plans to finish the season with his current club.
Zubimendi’s signing would be a massive boost to Arsenal’s midfield, which has been lacking in quality and depth this season.
