According to journalist David Ornstein, Arsenal was ready to sign Martin Zubimendi this month.
However, the Real Sociedad midfielder was hesitant to leave his hometown club this month.
With deadline day approaching, Ornstein was speaking on The Athletic Football Podcast.
Arsenal has already strengthened in the transfer window this month.
Leandro Trossard has come in to bolster their attack after missing out on long-term target Mykhaylo Mudryk.
In defense, Jakub Kiwior has come in to deputize for Gabriel Magalhaes as a left center-back.
The Gunners are now focused on bringing in a midfielder before the transfer window closes.
Their main target appears to be Moises Caicedo, for whom Arsenal has already had two bids rejected.
However, as Ornstein stated, Arsenal was also interested in Martin Zubimendi, but a deal could not be reached this month.
Ornstein updates Arsenal’s pursuit of Zubimendi.
“I think they looked at the boy at Real Sociedad [Zubimendi], who has a release clause, which Arsenal would have been willing to pay, but I’m not sure whether he wants to move in the January transfer window,” Ornstein said on The Athletic Football Podcast about the young Spaniard.
“They were looking in that bracket at first.”
Last week, Cadena SER echoed Ornstein’s report, claiming Arsenal was willing to pay Zubimendi’s £52 million release clause.
The 23-year-old has stated that he would prefer to join a Premier League club over Barcelona in the summer.
Real Sociedad are having a fantastic season, and Zubimendi clearly has a soft spot for them as an academy product.
Mikel Arteta is likely to value that, even if it means missing out on Zubimendi this month.
He’s also a very talented footballer who will compete with Thomas Partey for a starting spot.
Arsenal lacks quality cover for the Ghanaian, and Zubimendi would certainly provide it.
The funds are available for Zubimendi, as evidenced by their Caicedo bids, but a full agreement between all parties has yet to be reached.
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