Barcelona responds to Xavi's public transfer request following Arsenal's rejected £53 million deal.
Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi is in hot demand, with Arsenal - as a replacement for Declan Rice - and Barcelona heading the charge.
Barcelona is split on a move for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, months after Arsenal failed with a £53 million deal.
Zubimendi, 24, has a £53 million (€60 million) release clause in his contract with the Basque club and has fans in both La Liga and the Premier League. He has made 142 first-team appearances for Real Sociedad after coming through the club's junior system.
This summer, Zubimendi was linked with a return to Arsenal, with Spanish newspaper AS suggesting that he was'very close' to a transfer to North London. However, that claim looks to be far too early, with Arsenal instead considering a deal for West Ham captain Declan Rice in a similar position.
Mikel Arteta's side, on the other hand, may reconsider a move for the midfielder in the future, since he appears poised to stay at the San Sebastian team beyond this summer. Real Sociedad qualified for the Champions League this season, and with Zubimendi's current contract expiring in 2025, he might be available for a move next summer.
According to Sport, the Barcelona hierarchy is divided on whether to make a bid for the player, despite coach Xavi considering him a key objective. However, new sports director Deco, a former Camp Nou playmaker, is thought to be looking for alternative, more cheap targets.
Xavi stated his thoughts on signing the midfielder to reporters in January, saying, "He (Zubimendi) is a more physical and faster player than Busquets, who is technically better." Not only Zubimendi, but all of Real Sociedad's midfielders. We're playing a fantastic team, and Zubimendi is a fantastic footballer."
The Barcelona manager went on to say that the position was a priority for the club: "We work in the same way in grassroots football." However, La Real gets along well with the academy. We don't have a defensive pivot who can step in for Busquets in the future."
Arsenal continue to prioritize a move for Rice in the position, with midfielders Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey both expected to leave this summer.
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