Barcelona have lost hope of signing Real Sociedad midfielder Zubimendi
Competition from Arsenal could see Zubimendi make the switch to London
Martin Zubimendi was Xavi Hernández's big request for the next season. The Barcelona coach was convinced that the Real Sociedad midfielder was the ideal player to play in front of the defense and sporting director Jordi Cruyff endorsed a move.
The Catalan club has been in contact with Zubimendi's camp but they now consider the player lost. Zubimendi has every chance of playing for Arsenal next season as long as the London club pay the €60 million release clause.
Barça have worked intensely on signing Zubimendi. Cruyff has a good relationship with the player's agent. Talks have been fluid but there has never been the chance to sign him.
Last summer, the club opted to strengthen other positions due to the financial restrictions in place and the salary limits.
Barça always felt Zubimendi was an option for June 2023, but now in January, the club have told his camp they will throw in the towel.
Among the directors, there was also not a huge desire to invest so much money in the player. There was no chance of negotiation with La Real who have always pointed to the clause.
This month, Arsenal have entered he scene and Zubimendi is open to a move to the Premier League, as long as it happens in the summer with the payment of his clause. He shares an agent with Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta.
Barça's search for a long-term Sergio Busquets replacement continues.
