Manchester United prepare £37m opening bid to sign 25-year-old Arsenal target: Reports

Manchester United are reportedly preparing an offer for Martin Zubimendi as they look to beat Arsenal to his signature. The Real Sociedad midfielder could be on the move this summer after an excellent season at Reale Arena.

Nacional reports that the Red Devils are set to launch a £37 million offer for Zubimendi. The seven-cap Spain international has a £50 million release clause and is set to star for his national team at Euro 2024.

Manchester United are looking to strengthen their midfield this summer amid Casemiro's anticipated departure. They are expected to sign a new defensive midfielder, and Zubimendi fits the bill.

Zubimendi has earned comparisons to Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets. The Catalans' former manager, Xavi, gave United an insight into the Spanish midfielder's talents last summer (via Tribuna):

"Zubimendi is an extraordinary pivot. He understands the game very well, he dominates with and without the ball."

Sociedad's star man was Imanol Alguacil's midfield anchor last season. He appeared 45 times across competitions, posting four goals and one assist.

Arsenal have long been linked with Zubimendi and were weighing up a move last summer. He has three years left on his contract but could come in as Mikel Arteta's replacement for Thomas Partey.

Reports claim Partey could be headed to the Saudi Pro League, although Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce and rivals Galatasaray are also interested. Jorginho won't be leaving the Emirates as he signed a new deal last month.

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Barcelona reportedly drop out of the race with Arsenal and Manchester United to sign Martin Zubimendi

Martin Zubimendi won't be heading to Camp Nou.

Barcelona have long admired Zubimendi and eyed him as Busquets' long-term replacement. The Blaugrana were linked last summer but didn't move for the Spaniard.

According to AS (via Barca Universal), the La Liga giants have decided not to pursue Zubimendi due to his price tag. They will look at other targets because of Camp Nou's financial constraints.

Zubimendi had a big fan in Xavi, but Hansi Flick displaced the Spanish coach. Barca will look at other options, such as Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich, Everton's Amadou Onana, and Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes.

This paves the way for Arsenal and Manchester United to bring Zubimendi to the Premier League. He could follow in the footsteps of David Silva, Juan Mata, and Cesc Fabregas, who became Spanish superstars in the English top flight. He will focus on Euro 2024, where he looks set to play a key role for La Roja in Germany.