Arsenal and Manchester United could reportedly go head-to-head for the signature of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi during next summer's transfer window.
The Gunners are said to have made Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni their top midfield target for next year, but it will be difficult to convince Los Blancos to sell the France international.
According to FootballTransfers, Zubimendi is also high on their shortlist, with the Spain international potentially leaving Real Sociedad at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.
However, the report claims that Mikel Arteta's side are likely to face competition from Man United, with the Red Devils also expected to be in the market for a new central midfielder in 2024.
Zubimendi was heavily linked with a move away from his Basque side earlier this year, with Arsenal and Barcelona both believed to have launched enquiries.
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Barcelona are thought to have identified him as the ideal replacement for Sergio Busquets, but the Catalan club's financial problems meant that a deal could not be completed.
Arsenal, meanwhile, ultimately focused their attention on Declan Rice, with the England international arriving at the Emirates Stadium from West Ham United.
Zubimendi signed a new long-term contract with Imanol Alguacil's side last October, but there is believed to be a release clause of €60m (£52m) in the deal, which is unlikely to put off interested clubs.
The Spaniard has again been in strong form for Real Sociedad during the 2023-24 campaign, making 13 appearances in all competitions, contributing one goal and one assist in the process.
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Zubimendi came through the youth system at his current club, and he has represented their first team on 156 occasions in all competitions, scoring five goals and registering seven assists in the process.
The midfielder is receiving his first taste of Champions League football this season, with Real Sociedad impressing in the competition, sitting top of Group D ahead of the 2022-23 finalists Inter Milan.
Arsenal are believed to be looking for a midfielder to play alongside Rice, while Man United want to add to their squad in that area despite head coach Erik ten Hag having a number of options to choose from.
Barcelona are thought to have a long-term interest in Zubimendi, but with the Catalan outfit expected to target permanent moves for on-loan duo Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo next summer, it is questionable whether the funds will be there to bring in another big-money signing.
Zubimendi is again expected to be in the Real Sociedad XI when Alguacil's side resume their La Liga campaign away to Rayo Vallecano on Sunday afternoon.
Matt Law
