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Manchester United join race for player who seemed Arsenal-bound

Martin Zubimendi will make a decision on his next step at the end of the season, with Arsenal strongly linked but Manchester United also reportedly now in the race.

BERLIN, GERMANY: Declan Rice of England holds off Martin Zubimendi of Spain during the UEFA EURO 2024 final match between Spain and England at Olympiastadion on July 14, 2024. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Fernando Ruiz reports for Estadio Deportivo that Martin Zubimendi is currently focusing on taking Real Sociedad as far as possible in the Europa League, as well as climbing the La Liga table and turning around their Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Madrid.

But when the season ends, Ruiz reports that Zubimendi will then choose the next step in his career.

Though Zubimendi decided to stay with Real Sociedad last summer, this summer could reportedly be different, and Arsenal and Real Madrid are the primary clubs in the mix.

GIRONA, SPAIN: Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad warms up prior to the LaLiga EA Sports match between Girona FC and Real Sociedad at Montilivi Stadium on October 19, 2024. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images

The report also suggests Manchester United are in the mix, citing the British media as their source. According to the claims, United will make a definitive decision on the player when he faces them for their Europa League tie over the next week and a half.

Yet Mikel Arteta wants to sign Zubimendi “at all costs”, and Arsenal intend to pay the player’s release clause. It seems the Gunners are still in the driving seat.

Reports in January suggested Arsenal had all but completed a deal for Zubimendi for a summer transfer, with Arteta reportedly courting the midfielder for over a year and talks at an advanced stage.

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK: Martín Zubimendi of Spain in action during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A4 match between Denmark and Spain at on November 15, 2024. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images

Zubimendi is a key player for club and country at the moment, making 35 appearances for Real Sociedad this season and starting four of Spain’s last six matches.

The midfielder was also a regular in the Spain squad as they won Euro 2024, making four appearances including 45 vital minutes to win the final following the injury to Rodri.

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