Arsenal face fresh competition for €60m star Arteta adores - Romano

Tom Weber

• Updated: 25 Jan 2024 11:25 GMT
• 3 min read

Arsenal will not have a free run at Martin Zubimendi in the summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Gunners hold a long-standing interest in Real Sociedad's star midfielder, having already been heavily linked with a move for the 24-year-old in 2023. His €60 million release clause makes Zubimendi an interesting and potentially cheaper option compared to other big-name midfielders such as Douglas Luiz, whose steep price tag has put Arsenal off.

Thus far, however, nothing concrete in the way of an offer has materialised despite recent reports in Spain claiming that the Basque midfielder had already 'chosen' the Emirates Stadium as his new home. A January move is highly unlikely because the Gunners simply don't have an awful lot of money to spend after their summer spending spree.

Moreover, Zubimendi has helped his boyhood club Real Sociedad qualify for the Champions League knockouts for the first time in 20 years and he has no intention of leaving them mid-season. It could be a different story in the summer, though Arsenal won't be the only side vying for his signature in the next transfer window.

Bayern also in the mix

That's at least according to Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Romano said of Arsenal's interest in the Erreala star: "Zubimendi is a player that is really appreciated, for sure. But I would also include Bayern Munich in the shortlist of clubs interested in Zubimendi for the summer transfer window."

"In January, it is really complicated because of the cost of the deal, which is around €60m, the value of the release clause for Zubimendi. But it is also complicated from a personal point of view for Zubimendi because he's a big Real Sociedad fan, not just a fantastic player. He wants to keep going with the club, especially with this big opportunity to play in the round of 16 of the Champions League."

Indeed, Zubimendi himself recently admitted that he has no intention of departing: "I have never planned to leave Real Sociedad, I always say that. I love life here, at home, I’m so happy here. The values of this club are the same as mine so I feel very good, I always said that I’m happy."