• Football
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • Home
  • Football
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • Lionel Messi
    • Cristiano Ronaldo
    • EA FC 25
    • Wrexham
  • Boxing
    • Tyson Fury
    • Anthony Joshua
    • Oleksandr Usyk
    • Mike Tyson
    • Jake Paul
    • Logan Paul
  • UFC
    • Dana White
    • Conor McGregor
    • Khabib Nurmagomedov
    • Jon Jones
    • Paddy Pimblett
    • Joe Rogan
  • Other Sport
    • Athletics
    • Formula 1
    • MMA
    • Motorsport
    • NBA
    • Darts
    • NFL
    • Snooker
    • Wrestling
    • Tennis
    • Cricket
    • Golf
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • UNILAD
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
Snapchat
TikTok
YouTube
Arsenal 'very close' to signing La Liga star as Barcelona withdraw from race

Home> Football

Updated 19:48 4 May 2023 GMT+1Published 19:44 4 May 2023 GMT+1

Arsenal 'very close' to signing La Liga star as Barcelona withdraw from race

Arsenal are closing in on a deal for the Spaniard.

Joe Adams

Joe Adams

Declan Rice's prospective transfer to Arsenal has been cast into doubt following reports that Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi is 'very close' to joining the Gunners.

Rice has been heavily rumoured with a move to the Emirates after turning down multiple contract extensions at West Ham.

While the 24-year-old is thought to be Mikel Arteta's priority target this summer, as the Spaniard prepares for a busy Champions League schedule next season.

Advert

However, any potential move could now be in jeopardy after reports from Spain revealed Zubimendi was 'very close' to a move to north London.

Zubimendi was originally linked with Arsenal in January, although he decided against a move midway through the season, with Arteta opting to sign Jorginho from Chelsea instead.

It seems that the Gunners have now reignited their interest in the 24-year-old, who plays a similar role to Rice.

Zubimendi 'very close' to Arsenal move

Zubimendi has spent his entire playing career at Real Sociedad, helping them to fourth place in La Liga, with a Champions League finish very much on the cards.

Barcelona have been long-term admirers of the midfielder, but have decided to stick a pin in their pursuit, according to Spanish news outlet AS, with Arsenal now frontrunners for his signature.

Advert

Should the Gunners complete the signing of Zubimendi, Rice may begin to reconsider his options, with plenty of current midfielders all vying for a place in Arsenal's starting 11.

In addition, Arsenal may find themselves short of funds, with Zubimendi's release clause set at £53 million.

On the other hand, Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka and Jorginho are all on the wrong side of 30, meaning Zubimendi could be signed to partner Rice in the heart of midfield, as Arteta plans for the future.

Featured Image Credit: Alamy

Topics: Arsenal, Declan Rice, Mikel Arteta, Real Sociedad, Transfers, Football, La Liga

Joe Adams
Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

X

@joeadamsjourno

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

19 mins ago
an hour ago
2 hours ago
  • 19 mins ago

    Ex-Man Utd star who was 'knocked out by Roy Keane' after defeat now set to join Mikel Arteta at Arsenal

    The player made 83 appearances for Man United and won the Premier League with Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

    Football
  • an hour ago

    What Mohamed Salah has decided to do following the tragic death of his Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota

    Jota, 28, and his brother Andre Silva died in a car crash on Thursday.

    Football
  • 2 hours ago

    Diogo Jota's physio reveals what Liverpool forward was doing in final hours before tragic death

    The Liverpool star was involved in a fatal car crash while travelling for pre-season training.

    Football
  • 2 hours ago

    Chelsea star 'could miss' Club World Cup match following death of Diogo Jota

    Jota, 28, died alongside his brother Andre Silva in a car crash in Spain on Thursday.

    Football
  • Arsenal could re-sign academy graduate in cut-price deal this summer if relegation fear realised
  • La Liga star open to Arsenal move as Arteta agent link revealed
  • Arsenal 'increasingly confident' of Declan Rice move as significant quotes re-emerge
  • Journalist claims Arsenal now in "pole position" to sign player ahead of La Liga giants