How much is Barcelona target Martin Zubimendi’s release clause?

Cameron Smith

• 21 Feb 2023 19:59 GMT
• 3 min read

Barcelona have expressed their interest in signing Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi as they begin to prepare for life after Sergio Busquets.

Busquets, 34, is set to leave Camp Nou this summer once his contract expires at the end of June, with Inter Miami rumoured to be the most likely destination for the veteran.

As a result of his likely departure, Barcelona have already started the search for his replacement, with Zubimendi lined up as one of their top candidates.

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Manchester City's trio of Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva have all been linked too, with Xavi keen on adding to his midfield complement, despite the recent arrival of Franck Kessie from AC Milan.

Barcelona won't have a free run at Zubimendi as Arsenal have previously been linked with a move for the Spanish midfielder, while Chelsea are another club who have shown interest in the past.

However, Barcelona are ready to push into the lead by offering Real Sociedad a formal offer for Zubimendi. But, due to their financial issues, the Blaugrana are unable to afford the 24-year-old's release clause.

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Instead, they are preparing a player-plus-cash offer which they hope will convince La Real to sell.

Arsenal could swoop, however, by paying Zubimendi's release clause in full, which Barcelona aren't able to do.

It remains to be seen if Mikel Arteta's side will enter the market for a midfielder after they signed Jorginho from Chelsea in January. The Italian has already filled in for the injured Thomas Partey, while Albert Sambi Lokonga is currently on loan at Crystal Palace.

Leicester City's Youri Tielemans and Brighton & Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo have both been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates in recent times, meaning Barcelona could be allowed to sign Zubimendi if Arsenal choose to go in a different direction.

What is Zubimendi's release clause?

The 24-year-old has a €60 million release clause included in his deal at the Reale Arena. Furthermore, Zubimendi's current contract at Real Sociedad isn't set to expire until 2027 after he signed an extension in October 2022.