Arsenal prepare CRAZY €100m summer offer

Cameron Smith

Updated: 4 Mar 2025 15:56 GMT
3 min read

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Arsenal are prepared to trigger the €100 million release clause in Pablo Barrios’ Atletico Madrid contract, according to reports in Spain.

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The 21-year-old has been linked with a number of top clubs over the past few months, amid his impressive form in La Liga, and Arsenal have now joined Chelsea in the race to sign him ahead of the 2025 summer transfer window.

Mikel Arteta’s side are expected to complete the signing of Martin Zubimendi later this year, however they have identified Barrios as a possible alternative to the Real Sociedad star amid significant competition for his signature.

Furthermore, Arsenal are even prepared to pay Barrios’ €100m release clause, as per a sensational report from Fichajes, in their bid to strengthen the midfield options at Arteta’s disposal.

Atletico Madrid will only sanction a sale this summer if Barrios’ release clause is paid in full, but the Gunners are reportedly ready to sign him for €100m, despite the fact his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) currently stands at just €56.5m.

Barrios, a product of Atletico Madrid’s academy system, has made 27 first-team appearances across all competitions so far this season and his contract at the Wanda Metropolitano isn’t due to expire until 2028.

© IMAGO - Pablo Barrios, Atletico Madrid

Arsenal want Martin Zubimendi

Despite Arsenal’s reported interest in Barrios, they are still expected to prioritise a deal for the aforementioned Zubimendi.

The 26-year-old is set to be available for €60m due to a release clause in his Real Sociedad deal and FootballTransfers understands that Arsenal are eager to finalise a contract agreement shortly.

Zubimendi was tipped to join Liverpool last summer, however Arne Slot’s side were unable to complete a deal and the Spain international remained at Real Sociedad instead.

Real Madrid have also been touted to pursue a move for Zubimendi during the 2025 summer transfer window, although Arsenal are currently leading the race for his signature as they look to sign a replacement for Jorginho.