Barcelona, Arsenal, Manchester United 'remain keen on Martin Zubimendi'

The Spain international has been in strong form for his Basque club during the 2023-24 campaign, scoring twice and providing one assist in 22 appearances in all competitions.

Zubimendi has a contract at Real Sociedad until June 2027, having penned an extension in October 2022, but his release clause is believed to be as low as €50m (£43.6m).

Despite the fact that he is playing Champions League football this season, there is believed to be a general acceptance that he will leave sooner or later due to the number of clubs keen on his signature.

According to journalist Ekrem Konur, there remains strong interest from Barcelona, Arsenal and Man United, who have all been linked with his services over the last couple of years.

Zubimendi has scored twice and provided one assist in 15 La Liga appearances this season, while he has featured on five occasions in the group stage of the Champions League.

The midfielder has played 165 times for his current side in all competitions, contributing six goals and seven assists in the process.

Zubimendi has also now been capped on four occasions by Spain, and he is expected to be in their squad for next summer's European Championship.

Bayern Munich are also believed to be keeping a close eye on his situation, with the Bundesliga champions another club who have been impressed by his development.

Arsenal are believed to have scouted Zubimendi during Real Sociedad's Champions League clash with Benfica earlier this month.

Meanwhile, it is believed that a number of other clubs have also had representatives at the Basque club's matches this season to watch the likes of Zubimendi and Robin Le Normand.

Barcelona remain keen on boosting their midfield options, with another player in that area expected to be signed next summer, while Arsenal are also seeking a holding midfielder to operate alongside Declan Rice.

As for Man United, the club are said to be open to offers for Casemiro, with the Brazil international potentially making a big-money switch to Saudi Arabia next year.

Donny van de Beek is also set to move on in 2024, which would open up space in the squad for the 20-time English champions to make another midfield signing.