Arsenal to face Bayern Munich competition for key midfield target

Bayern Munich have joined the race to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi alongside Arsenal, according to a report.

Zubimendi, 24, has blossomed into a star since coming through the Sociedad youth system, boasting close to 200 appearances for his club and attracting interest from some of Europe's elite sides in the process.

Barcelona have long been tipped to move for Zubimendi, who has been compared to Camp Nou favourite Sergio Busquets, but his £52m release clause has made it tough for Barca to make any firm move for his signature.

Arsenal have also been following Zubimendi for months and could attempt to lure him over this summer, but BILD state they will have to fend off competition from Bayern Munich to do so.

Zubimendi is said to be among Bayern's top targets for the summer as they seek to rejuvenate their midfield, with current general Joshua Kimmich heavily linked with an exit at the end of the season.

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The report claims Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has already spoken to Zubimendi about a move to London and the midfielder is open to making such a switch, but Bayern's interest will now give the 24-year-old a tricky decision to make.

Arsenal's interest is a concern to Bayern, who have struggled to land their preferred midfield targets in recent months.

Fulham's Joao Palhinha was in Munich during the summer as the two clubs negotiated a fee, but no agreement could be found before the deadline and the Portugal international ultimately returned to Craven Cottage.

Palhinha could be a fresh target for Bayern for the summer but current boss Thomas Tuchel recently insisted he is not as desperate to find a new midfielder, having seen full-back Raphael Guerreiro help out in midfield alongside emerging talent Aleksandar Pavlovic.

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