Arsenal and Bayern Munich to do battle off the pitch as well as on it as they target transfer for Real Sociedad star

ARSENAL face a battle on and off the pitch with Bayern Munich with the Champions League quarter-finalists both reportedly eyeing Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi.

The midfielder “remains on the list” as a top transfer target at the Emirates Stadium ahead of the 2024 summer window.

GettyMartin Zubimendi ‘remains on Arsenal’s list’ to target in the summer transfer window[/caption]

The Gunners are looking to bolster their squad ahead of next season as boss Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu Gaspar continuously work to improve their current squad.

Zubimendi has emerged as a player of interest, with him becoming one of LaLiga‘s leading midfielders.

And transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed Arteta’s side are eyeing up the 25-year-old.

But he adds they will have to battle Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich for the Spanish international’s signature.

He tweeted: “Understand Martin Zubimendi remains on Arsenal list. And he was on top of Bayern list in case Xabi Alonso was gonna become their new coach.

“Bayern still appreciates Zubimendi as one of the targets but final decision will be up to next manager. It’s all quiet with Barca.”

It means Arsenal, who face Bayern Munich in the Champions League later this month, must out-do their German rivals in the transfer market too.

Arsenal are keen to bolster their midfield department, despite signing recording addition Declan Rice last year.

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Zubimendi has established himself as a key player for Imanol Alguacil’s side after rising through the ranks at Sociedad.

He led the LaLiga outfit to a place in the last-16 of the Champions League before eventually crashing out to Paris Saint-Germain.

The Spain international still has three years left on his contract with Sociedad, hinting they are in no rush to sell him.

Zubimendi said: “I have never planned to leave Real Sociedad, I always say that. I love life here, at home, I’m so happy here.

“The values of this club are the same as mine so I feel very good, I always said that I’m happy.”

However, the benefit of playing in the Premier League for one of Europe’s most successful sides could be hard for Zubimendi to turn down.