Arsenal really like ‘special’ £50m midfielder but there’s a problem in convincing him to join

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Arsenal’s search for a new midfielder is continuing and it looks like not everything is coming down to what the Gunners are willing to pay.

Manager Mikel Arteta is keen to ensure his squad is strengthened this summer and it looks like Arsenal are finally close to signing defender, Riccardo Calafiori.

However, the grind does not stop for Arteta or Edu, who are both working hard to bring in more new players to try and close the gap on Manchester City.

It’s been known for some time that a new midfielder is on the radar for Arsenal.

Indeed, Real Sociedad star Mikel Merino is believed to be a target for Arsenal, with the midfielder available on the cheap due to his contract.

But it is not just Merino at Sociedad who Arsenal like. His midfield counterpart, Martin Zubimendi, is also admired by the Gunners.

And speaking about Zubimendi potentially signing for Arsenal, journalist Ben Jacobs has suggested that the issue is not entirely down to the fee.

Arsenal willing to pay for Martin Zubimendi

Speaking to GiveMeSport about Arsenal’s stance on making a move for Zubimendi, Jacobs has suggested that the fee is not the actual issue when it comes to the midfielder.

“Arsenal still like Merino’s Sociedad teammate Martin Zubimendi and the issue is not his cost. The €60m (£50m) release clause might seem high, but it didn’t put Arsenal off in January,” Jacobs said.

“They know Zubimendi just loves Sociedad and had Champions League (football) last season. The challenge is persuading the player to leave.”

Fabrizio Romano has suggested in the past that Sociedad feel Zubimendi is on his way to being a ‘special‘ player and in reality, they are loathed to lose him.

One issue potential issue in the deal is reports of Zubimendi’s agents apparently telling Arsenal the player is not keen on the move this summer.

Clearly, then, this is a deal that will take some work from the Arsenal side.