While Manchester City are said to have 'looked' at Zubimendi, Arsenal are seriously weighing up whether to test Sociedad's resolve. And as if the stars have aligned perfectly for Arteta, one of Zubimendi's big-hitting rival suitors - Liverpool - may no longer have a need to sign the Spanish international.

Mikel Arteta has downplayed the gap between Arsenal and Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table and says there is no clear favourite for the title

The Arsenal hierarchy have been told how they can keep manager Mikel Arteta from the clutches of Man City and Barcelona.

Arteta wants to add a No 6 to his team as he looks to challenge the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City for titles

COMMENT: Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta needs several things to go his way as he seeks to turn around his side's form.

After seeing themselves nine points adrift of league leaders, Arsenal are looking to bolster their squad in the January window.

With the Basque club knowing that other Euro 2024 winners in Robin Le Normand and Mikel Merino were leaving, for Atletico Madrid and Arsenal respectively, a boyhood fan like Zubimendi did not want to make the situation more difficult for his club.

Arsenal is reportedly monitoring Martin Zubimendi ahead of a potential transfer next summer, which would come as a big blow to Liverpool following their pursuit.

Arsenal given reason to respond to Martin Zubimendi move as winter window plans begin to take shape for title challengers