Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has ‘decided to bet on Arsenal’ in the summer if they pay his release clause.
That’s according to Sport, who say Barcelona have already written the player off as a ‘lost cause’, opening the door for the Gunners.
The newspaper explains that Zubimendi was Xavi’s big request for next season, with the Barcelona coach convinced he was the ideal player to play in front of his defence.
The club have been in contact with his entourage but he is now considered lost as they believe he ‘has every chance’ of playing for Arsenal next season if they pay his clause, which is set at €60m.
Arsenal ‘entered the scene’ for the player this month and Zubimendi would ‘welcome the option’ of the move if it was presented to him in the summer.
He’s in no hurry to leave La Real and would even like to stay there for another year but the club sees him as a unique opportunity to secure a big sale.
They know that Mikel Arteta is a ‘great guarantor’ for the player as the pair share an agent. It is this connection which has led Barcelona to consider him as ‘absolutely lost’.
Whether he ends up at Arsenal remains to be seen but at the Nou Camp at least, they are now considered as the favourites for his signature.
