Manchester United have identified Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi as a top target as Erik Ten Hag looks to strengthen in midfield.
The Spanish international has generated interest from several clubs this summer following a successful La Liga campaign with Real Sociedad.
Manchester United will have to compete with Arsenal if they want to land Zubimendi as Mikel Arteta’s side are also keen on the 25-year-old.
According to the Athletic, Manchester United wants Martin Zubimendi as a partner to Kobbie Mainoo in midfield alongside a list of other central midfield targets.
Zubimendi had a career year with Sociedad this season, he scored four goals and recorded one assist in 31 games which doesn’t sound like much, however, Zubimendi is very much a defensive midfielder.
He helped his Sociedad side to a sixth-placed finish and more importantly, they had the third-best defensive record in the division, beating the likes of Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and Girona.
Manchester United’s list of midfield targets
Erik Ten Hag has identified several targets in the middle of the park this summer. Perhaps their most-linked name is Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte who had reportedly agreed personal terms with the club last week.
However, PSG wants to loan him out, something that United are trying to avoid.
The Red Devils have also been linked with Benfica midfielder Joao Neves, as they tabled a bid for him at the start of the month. PSG also went in for the 19-year-old but as things stand, he remains at Benfica.
Arsenal are keen on signing Zubimendi
If Manchester United are to sign Zubimendi, they will have to battle with Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal for his signature. The Gunners have been scouting Zubimendi for over 18 months and wanted to sign him in January.
However, nothing at the time was completed as the player didn’t want to move during the season. Arsenal still holds interest in the Spaniard.
