Reports from Germany suggest that Arsenal and Bayern Munich are locked in a battle to secure the signature of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi during the upcoming summer transfer window.

Arsenal's previous attempt to sign Zubimendi a year ago was unsuccessful, leading them to allocate the majority of their summer budget to a £105 million deal for Declan Rice instead. On the other hand, Bayern Munich, having failed in their pursuit of Joao Palhinha from Fulham last summer, are actively seeking a new central midfielder for the next season.

Bild's Bayern Insider podcast indicates that Zubimendi ranks high on Bayern's list of targets for the summer, but Arsenal is presenting formidable competition. Furthermore, it's reported that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has already engaged in discussions with Zubimendi, who is reportedly open to the idea of joining the Gunners.

Zubimendi, whose contract with Real Sociedad includes a €60 million (£51.2 million) release clause, has earned a reputation as one of La Liga's premier deep-lying midfielders since breaking into the first team nearly five years ago.

The 24-year-old has drawn praise for his exceptional midfield awareness, notably from former Real Sociedad B coach Xabi Alonso, who described him as a player coveted by all coaches. Alonso highlighted Zubimendi's selflessness, playmaking abilities, and knack for improving the overall flow of the game.

"Martín's a player all coaches would want," Alonso told The Guardian in 2022. "He’s generous, he always thinks more about his teammates than himself. He has that ability to generate play, to make those around him better, always offering solutions; to improve the move. He understands what the next step is before the ball gets to him. He has that ability to organize, the axis. I loved working with him."