Arsenal 'send scouts to watch Martin Zubimendi, Robin Le Normand'

Zubimendi's future has been called into question over the last few months, with Barcelona believed to view the 24-year-old as the ideal long-term replacement for Sergio Busquets.

Meanwhile, there have also been suggestions that Manchester United are keen on the Spaniard, who has scored once and provided three assists in 35 appearances at club level this term.

Zubimendi only signed a new long-term deal with Real Sociedad last October, but the contract is believed to include a release clause in the region of €60m (£53m).

The midfielder has featured on 27 occasions in La Liga this season, with his Basque outfit bidding to secure a top-four finish in the table, and according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Spaniard has been scouted by Arsenal throughout the campaign.

Romano also claims that Le Normand is being watched by the Gunners, with the 26-year-old making 34 appearances for the White and Blues during a strong season.

"Arsenal sent their scouts to follow both Zubimendi and Le Normand this year as they're doing excellent with Sociedad, but nothing is concrete yet," Romano wrote in his CaughtOffside column.

"The Gunners' plans on new signings will be made in the next weeks, nothing is advanced yet. The price for Le Normand is the release clause: €50m (£44m)."

Le Normand made the move to Real Sociedad from Brest in 2016, initially representing Real Sociedad B before making his first-team debut in 2018.

The Frenchman has now featured on 171 occasions for the Basque outfit, scoring four goals and registering six assists in the process.

Real Sociedad will be determined to keep both Zubimendi and Le Normand due to their importance to the team, but the release clauses that exist in the deals mean that the club are in a difficult position.

Zubimendi has featured on 134 occasions for La Real since making his debut in 2019, scoring four goals and registering five assists in the process.

Real Sociedad have not claimed a top-four position in La Liga since 2013, but they are currently in the final Champions League position, three points ahead of fifth-placed Real Betis.

Zubimendi is again expected to start against Rayo Vallecano in the league this weekend, but Le Normand is suspended following the booking that he picked up in the 2-0 loss to Athletic Bilbao last time out.