Arsenal ‘close to triggering £51m release clause for ‘next Sergio Busquets’ and he could replace Partey in January

ARSENAL are reportedly plotting a move for Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi.

The Gunners are ready to meet the midfielder’s release clause of £51m.

GettyArsenal are close to triggering Martin Zubimendi’s £51m release clause[/caption]

Arsenal were previously linked with a move for the 24-year-old – who has been compared to Barcelona superstar Sergio Busquets by Spanish media outlets.

Mikel Arteta wanted to bring in Zubimendi as competition for Thomas Partey.

But the move didn’t happen, and the midfielder slammed the door shut on transfer rumours shortly after the summer window opened in June.

Arsenal instead signed Jorginho from Chelsea in January, before signing Declan Rice and Kai Havertz for combined fees of over £150m in the summer.

But with doubts now over the future of Partey after reported interest from French giants Juventus – the Gunners are going to try their luck again for Zubimendi.

According to Spanish outlet Nacional, Arsenal are ‘close’ to triggering Zubimendi’s release clause, despite the fact that he is a ‘favourite’ of Barcelona manager Xavi.

The deep-lying midfielder played a key role in helping Sociedad qualify for the Champions League this season and has started this campaign strongly.

Nacional claim that the Gunners are pursuing his signature in January, meaning they could move on Partey during the same window.

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Juventus are reportedly keen on signing the Ghana international, who is currently out of action with a groin problem.

Meanwhile, Zubimendi style of play could add another edge to Arteta’s midfield.

Speaking in October 2022 in an interview with The Guardian’s Sid Lowe, Zubimendi gave Arsenal supporters an insight into his playstyle – and the Busquets comparisons.

He explained: “Us pivot midfielders have the bad luck that maybe we don’t get recognised, but if you understand football you know Busquets’ value.

“We’ve normalised him playing well so much we don’t always appreciate him.

“He’s set the bar so high that pivots are asked to do things we weren’t before. But that’s nice: you have to aspire to that.”