Arsenal told to pay more than £50 million if they wish to land La Liga midfielder

At the halfway point in their Premier League campaign, Arsenal supporters will likely feel that things couldn’t have gone much better so far. 

The Gunners currently boast a five-point lead over second-place Manchester City and also have a game in hand.

Their tally of 50 points is a club record at this stage of a Premier League season, and they also remain in both the FA Cup and Europa League.

They face a tough test in the fourth round of the cup, though, with a trip to The Etihad to face Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola’s side currently sit in second in the Premier League table, and the game on Friday evening promises to be an entertaining one.

In the meantime, Arsenal have reportedly been quoted more than £50 million to sign one of their midfield targets.

According to The Times, The Gunners have been told by Real Sociedad that they must meet Martin Zubimendi’s release clause if they wish to sign the player.

That figure is believed to be around £52.5 million, and the La Liga side are insistent that it must be met if Arsenal are to have any chance of signing the midfielder this month.

Arsenal would have to spend more than £50 million to land Zubimendi

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has primarily used Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard in midfield when able to do so, but the Spaniard has previously hinted at signing a new midfielder.

Mohamed Elneny, who has often deputised when in the absence of Partey or Xhaka, has struggled with injuries over the last 12 months.

Zubimendi, 23, has been impressive for Sociedad over the past couple of seasons.

The Spaniard has already made more than 120 appearances for the club having graduated from its youth academy, and his performances are now attracting interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Despite Arsenal’s interest, the Spain international penned a new five-year deal with his current side towards the end of last year and Sociedad are therefore under very little pressure to sell.

So far this month, The Gunners have completed the signings of Leandro Trossard and defender Jakub Kiwior.