Manchester United are hoping to hijack Arsenal’s deal for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, according to reports.

It was claimed by the Daily Mail back in January that the Gunners had “virtually completed” the signing of the Spanish international, with the move expected to be finalised this summer.

However, GiveMeSport suggest that there is still a chance for the Red Devils to swoop in and secure Zubimendi’s services from under their rival’s noses.

All clubs are aware that the 26-year-old has a €60m (£51m) release clause in his contract. Any team can trigger it, so a lot hinges on who can persuade the player.

Zubimendi has made U-turns in the past

Liverpool believed they had snapped up the Spaniard last year, only for the player to decide that he wanted to remain at Real Sociedad.

With that being the case, it would not be a complete surprise if he also decided to snub Arsenal, but United would have to put a lot of work into persuading him to turn down a switch to the Emirates in favour of Old Trafford.

On the face of it, it looks like a hard sell. Ruben Amorim’s side are currently sitting 14th in the Premier League table, while the Gunners are 2nd.

United are keen to strengthen their midfield

The Red Devils do have plenty of options in the middle of the park, including Bruno Fernandes, Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo, Toby Collyer, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, but very few of them are comfortable playing in a double pivot.

Covering the sort of ground necessary requires legs and there is also a requirement for good technical ability. With the exception of Fernandes and Mainoo, most of Amorim’s current midfielders don’t really fit the bill.

Find out who is in Manchester United’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here