David Ornstein reveals Arsenal's plan to repeat Man Utd's 1000 IQ tactic to complete Martin Zubimendi transfer

Mikel Arteta has a genius plan for Arsenal to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad this summer by taking notes from Manchester United.

Zubimendi has been the subject of significant transfer speculation following his performances for Real Sociedad in La Liga, and at Euro 2024 with Spain.

Liverpool had attempted to sign the Spanish international in the summer, but the Spaniard rejected the chance to join Anfield and remain in Spain.

However, the 25-year-old according to The Daily Mail Zubimendi is on the verge of completing a deal to join Arsenal.

Arsenal didn't make an offer for Zubimendi during the summer window despite 'tracking' the Spain international for over 12 months.

However, the club's pursuit for the Sociedad star 'accelerated' with Jorginho and Thomas Partey both out of contract this summer.

The report states Arsenal are ready to trigger the midfielder's €60m, however, The Athletic's David Ornstein has revealed the Gunners may opt for a different approach.

He told NBC: “Martín Zubimendi’s release clause is €60m, my understanding is that they [Arsenal] might look to pay a bit more so that they can stagger the payments and that would allow them to do other business next summer.”

Martin Zubimendi in 2024- Getty

If Arsenal do opt to pay over the odds in exchange for financial leniency, they would be taking a leaf out of Manchester United's book with Sir Jim Ratcliffe doing the same when signing Joshua Zirkzee.

Zubimendi has commented on the transfer interest that has surrounded him, and revealed why he rejected Liverpool in an October interview.

"Of course I don’t regret it, I can’t think that after four or five games at the start of the season. I made my decision from within," he replied.

"I thought it was the best thing to do, the results don’t affect me. I see potential in this team, you just have to watch us train and I’m excited about having a good season."