Arsenal have reportedly been handed a boost in their pursuit of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, as Barcelona have cooled their interest in the Spaniard.
The Gunners were linked with a January move for Zubimendi in order to solve their midfield selection concerns, but he had no interest in leaving Sociedad midway through the season.
Sociedad's resolve is sure to be tested in the summer transfer window, though, when Arsenal will be in the market for a big-money midfield signing.
Barcelona have apparently identified Zubimendi as an ideal successor to long-serving lynchpin Sergio Busquets, who has been expected to leave at the end of his contract this summer.
However, Marca claims that Busquets could instead perform a U-turn on his decision to leave in a few months' time, and the 34-year-old could now be open to signing a new contract at Barcelona.
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Xavi is determined to tie Busquets down for another season at Camp Nou, and the midfielder is said to be prepared to accept a hefty salary decrease in order to renew until 2024.
Busquets is willing to listen to Barcelona's offers after rejecting a two-year renewal last summer, and La Blaugrana would struggle to afford a replacement amid their financial difficulties.
As a result, Xavi's side will put plans to sign Zubimendi on ice should they agree a renewal with Busquets, which could give Arsenal a clear run at the 24-year-old this summer.
Zubimendi came through the youth system at Real Sociedad and has since made 123 appearances for the senior team in all competitions, scoring four goals and setting up five more.
The Spain international formed a part of Sociedad's Copa del Rey-winning team in the 2019-20 season, and he has one goal and three assists to show from 25 games this term.
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Zubimendi's form has seen Sociedad take 39 points from 20 La Liga games to sit third in the table, and Arsenal will have a fight on their hands to prise him away from Reale Arena if Imanol Alguacil's side qualify for the Champions League.
Arsenal have lost Mohamed Elneny to a serious knee injury - likely for the rest of the season - and allowed Albert Sambi Lokonga to join Crystal Palace on loan on transfer deadline day, leading to the signing of Jorginho from Chelsea.
However, the Italian is one of just three fit central midfield options to Mikel Arteta alongside Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka, and his contract only runs until 2024 with the option of a further year.
The Gunners failed with two bids for Brighton & Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo in January, and the Seagulls are reportedly reluctant to do further business with Arsenal, who continued to pursue the wantaway Ecuador international after being told that he was not for sale under any circumstances.
Instead, Arsenal have switched their attention to West Ham United's Declan Rice, and Arteta is said to be directly involved in talks to sign the £100m-rated England international, who is now their priority target for the summer window.
Ben Knapton
