Manchester United contemplating move for Arsenal target who won Euro 2024
According to a report from The Telegraph, Manchester United have added Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi to their midfield shortlist despite heavy links with Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte.
The Red Devils are in the hunt for a defensive midfielder to potentially replace Casemiro, who could depart this summer after a mediocre second season at Old Trafford. After the acquisitions of Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro, they have agreed personal terms with Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte. However, should Ugarte’s deal fail to materialise, Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has emerged as a back-up for Erik ten Hag’s club.
Zubimendi, 25, also an Arsenal target, enjoyed a strong 2023/24 season, scoring four goals in 31 La Liga appearances as Real Sociedad secured a place in the Europa League. The 25-year-old was a half-time substitute for the injured Rodri in the Euro 2024 final against England in Berlin and helped his nation win the competition.
Having risen through the Real Sociedad academy and made 187 first-team appearances thus far, a move for the Spaniard may be on the cards. The Telegraph adds Zubimendi has a release clause of €60 million in his contract that runs until 2027, which shouldn’t be a problem to pay for Man United if they can offload the likes of Casemiro, Scott McTominay and Christian Eriksen.
Casemiro, McTominay and Eriksen on the chopping block?
INEOS are planning to shake up the midfield unit this summer and have made Ugarte their No.1 target. In case a move for the PSG enforcer doesn’t happen, they could make a move for Zubimendi amid uncertainties surrounding the futures of Casemiro, McTominay and Eriksen.
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Casemiro has been heavily linked with a switch to the cash-rich Saudi Pro League for months, while the Red Devils rejected a bid from Fulham for McTominay last week. Eriksen admitted his unhappiness over lack of regular game time last season, and with the Dane entering the final year of his contract, he could be cashed in.
Meanwhile, Sofyan Amrabat has returned to Fiorentina after the expiry of his loan spell in June. Man United have decided against triggering their €20m buy option for the Morocco international, however, they remain open to negotiating a new fee with Fiorentina as Erik ten Hag likes the player.
Zubimendi viewed as an alternative to Ugarte
Zubimendi and Ugarte are stylistically and profile-wise very different players, but both would immensely improve Ten Hag’s midfield unit. If Ten Hag wants a pure No.6 (in the destroyer’s mould), Ugarte would be ideal. With his energy, bite and ball-winning skills, the Uruguay international would complement Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes in the Man United engine room.
As for Zubimendi, he operates as a deep-lying playmaker for Sociedad, using his excellent technical skills on the ball and reading of the game to dictate the tempo of play and initiate attacks. He’d be beneficial in helping the Mancunian giants enjoy more possession and control in midfield—something Ten Hag wants to see from his side.
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That being said, it would be great if we prefer the signing of Zubimendi over Ugarte.