Arsenal appear to be in pole position to sign Real Sociedad’s highly-rated midfielder Martin Zubimendi due to Barcelona’s financial issues.

SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN: Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad passes the ball whilst under pressure from Warren Zaire-Emery of Paris Saint-Germain during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 second leg match between Real Sociedad and Paris Saint-Germain at Reale Arena on March 05, 2024. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN: Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad passes the ball whilst under pressure from Warren Zaire-Emery of Paris Saint-Germain during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 second leg match between Real Sociedad and Paris Saint-Germain at Reale Arena on March 05, 2024. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Arsenal appear to be the frontrunners in the race to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, despite reported interest from Barcelona

Barcelona’s financial hurdles

Barcelona have identified the 25-year-old as their ideal midfield target. However, their well-documented financial struggles make it difficult to meet Zubimendi’s €60 million release clause. Recent talks between Barcelona Sporting Director Deco and Zubimendi’s agent did little to change this reality.

Zubimendi content at Sociedad, prioritises Champions League

Zubimendi himself seems happy at Real Sociedad, despite the club’s likely absence from next season’s Champions League. He reportedly prioritises Champions League football but appears to accept that a move to Barcelona is unlikely due to their current financial state.

Arsenal’s strong position

SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN: Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad celebrates after scoring their team's first goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Sociedad and Deportivo Alaves at Reale Arena on January 02, 2024. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN: Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad celebrates after scoring their team’s first goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Sociedad and Deportivo Alaves at Reale Arena on January 02, 2024. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

This opens the door for Arsenal, managed by fellow Basque Mikel Arteta. The Premier League’s financial clout and the appeal of playing in England make them a more realistic option for Zubimendi.

Reports suggest Arsenal have “always positioned themselves” to secure his services and that would certainly seem to hold given how long we’ve been covering reports of Arsenal’s interest in Zubimendi.

Competition emerging

While Arsenal appear to be in the driver’s seat, the transfer picture could change. With defensive midfielders set to be in high demand this summer, other European giants, including Bayern Munich, may join the chase.

Real Sociedad’s stance

Like many who have come before, Real Sociedad are reportedly unhappy about Barcelona‘s approach and have made it clear that Zubimendi will only leave if his €60 million release clause is met. Baarcelona have a long history of unsettling players in order to drive down their price and I would be inclined to say they are trying to do the same here.