Arsenal and Barcelona face having to pay Martin Zubimendi’s €60million (£52.7m) release clause if they want to sign the Real Sociedad midfielder.
Zubimendi has been in impressive form this season, helping Sociedad climb to third in LaLiga and just six points off leaders Barcelona.
The 23-year-old signed a new contract in October, which runs until 2027, and within that is a release clause of £52.7m.
Sociedad have stuck to the figure for Zubimendi’s asking price and believe he can command the fee given the valuations of other midfielders around Europe.
Arsenal and Barcelona are admirers of Zubimendi, but it is thought he will not look to leave until the summer.
The 23-year-old came through the ranks at Sociedad and it is believed he wants to ensure his boyhood club finish off their fine season in style.
Arsenal want to sign a midfielder before transfer deadline day next Tuesday due to Mohamed Elneny being out with a knee injury.
They are interested in Brighton’s Moises Caicedo, but he is likely to command a fee in the region of £75m.
Everton’s Amadou Onana has emerged as another possible target and the 21-year-old is being tracked by Chelsea too.
