Bayern Munich 'afraid' of Arsenal as £51m summer transfer plan emerges

Bayern Munich are reportedly fearful that Arsenal could swoop in and sign Martin Zubimendi.

The Real Sociedad midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to eitherthe Premier League or the Bundesliga in the summer transfer window. Arsenal and Bayern Munich are the two clubs who have been credited with an interest in signing Zubimendi.

The 24-year-old progressed through Sociedad's academy to become a first-team regular at the La Liga club. And now a report has emerged around his future linking him with a move to either Arsenal or Bayern Munich.

According to Sport Bild journalist Christian Falk, Bayern are «afraid» that Arsenal could beat them to the signing of Zubimendi in the summer. It has been reported that the midfielder has a €60 million (£51 million) release clause in his contract.

“Martin Zubimendi is the No.1 target for Bayern in front of Joao Palhinha,” Falk said in an interview with CaughtOffside.

He added: “Bayern also heard that Mikel Arteta is already talking to the player. They’re both Spanish as well, which is a big advantage for Arsenal!

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“Bayern were very sure that they would lead the race for Zubimendi but now that Arsenal are there, they’re afraid of the Gunners and afraid that Mikel Arteta could take this player away, which had been a planned move for the summer.”

Arsenal have spent the majority of the summer transfer window linked with the possibility of signing a striker. At the same time, right-back Sacha Boey was also mentioned as a rumoured target for the Gunners before he left Galatasaray to join Bayern.

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