Arsenal reportedly had scouts at Real Sociedad's Champions League contest with Benfica on Wednesday evening to monitor the performance of Martin Zubimendi.
The 24-year-old played the full 90 minutes of what proved to be a 3-1 success for the La Liga outfit, with the result seeing them book their spot in the knockout round of the competition.
Zubimendi has been an ever-present in the tournament this season, helping his side pick up 10 points from four matches in Group D, while he has also played in all 12 of their La Liga matches in 2023-24, scoring once and providing one assist in 12 appearances.
The midfielder was heavily linked with a move away from Real Sociedad last year, with Barcelona said to have identified him as their leading target to replace Sergio Busquets.
Zubimendi ultimately remained with the Basque club past the transfer deadline, but there is again speculation surrounding his future due to his consistently strong performances.
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Barcelona are still said to be interested, while Bayern Munich are thought to be admirers, with the Bundesliga champions also looking to bring in a central midfielder.
Arsenal are believed to be at the head of the queue, though, and according to 90min, the North London outfit had scouts in Spain to monitor his display against Benfica.
Zubimendi has a contract at Real Sociedad until June 2027, but his release clause is believed to be as low as €50m (£43.6m), which is unlikely to put off interested clubs.
According to WhoScored, the midfielder completed 48 of his 54 passes during the clash with Benfica, while he also won two tackles and two aerial duels.
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Zubimendi came through the youth system at his current club, progressing through the various age groups before making his first-team debut in 2019.
The two-time Spain international has now made 160 appearances for Real Sociedad in all competitions, scoring five goals and registering seven assists in the process.
Arsenal are expected to move for another central midfielder next summer, with the club believed to be looking for a long-term partner for Declan Rice in that position of the field.
Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni had allegedly been identified as their leading target, but the Spanish giants have reportedly made it clear that the France international is not for sale under any circumstances.
There has also recently been speculation surrounding Kai Havertz's future, with the club thought to be willing to let him leave for as little as £35m next year, while Thomas Partey could also depart in 2024.
Matt Law
