Arsenal enter race for €60 million Barcelona transfer target wanted by Xavi

After dominating Ceuta in the Round of 16, Barcelona will take on Real Sociedad in the quarter-finals of the Copa Del Rey this midweek.

One of the players that will be in focus is Martin Zubimendi. The 23-year-old will be one of the key components in Imanol Alguacil’s midfield unit as Sociedad look to pull off an upset by knocking Barça out of the cup competition.

According to SPORT, Barcelona are determined to secure a win and book their place in the semifinal of the competition. But their eyes will be on Zubimendi, who is one of many players to have been identified as a potential target for Barça.

The Spaniard has indeed been identified as a replacement for Sergio Busquets, who is facing an uncertain future at Camp Nou as his current contract expires at the end of the season.

Barcelona have targeted multiple players in the market, but Zubimendi is the one that stands out the most. With 120 competitive appearances for Real Sociedad, the midfielder offers enough experience in Spanish football, and should not find it difficult to get to grips with Barcelona’s style of play.

The Catalans have targeted Ruben Neves as a potential alternative. But there are doubts over the Portuguese international within the coaching staff, thus making Zubimendi the primary midfield target for manager Xavi.

The Real Sociedad starlet did recently extend his contract at the club, but there is a €60 million release clause embedded in the deal. This will enable Barcelona to sign the Spaniard, even though the player is also targeted by other clubs including Arsenal.

The Gunners are in the market for a new midfielder this year as they look to further strengthen the team and consolidate their position at the top of the Premier League.

Carrusel Deportivo even suggests that Arsenal were willing to pay off Zubimendi’s €60 million release clause in January, but the player refused to move out in the middle of the season.

Barcelona signing Zubimendi this month is out of the question and a move in the summer would also be difficult due to the finances. Throw in Arsenal’s interest into the mix and things could get even more complicated for Xavi & co. in pursuit of the Spaniard.