Arsenal have received a boost in their pursuit of Martin Zubimendi with Bayern Munich having cooled their interest in the Real Sociedad midfielder.
Bayern had placed Zubimendi near the top of their transfer wish list for the summer as the German champions looked to appoint Xabi Alonso as the club’s new head coach.
Alonso, who previously coached Real Sociedad B before taking charge of Bayer Leverkusen, is understood to be a bid admirer of his compatriot.
However, Alonso has confirmed his decision to turn down Bayern in favour of remaining with Leverkusen, leading to the Bavarians cooling their interest in Zubimendi.
Fabrizio Romano has reported that although the 25-year-old is still appreciated at the Allianz Arena, a decision will wait until a new head coach is appointed with Thomas Tuchel set to leave at the end of the season.
Bayern also need to clarify the future of Joshua Kimmich, with the influential midfielder set to enter the final 12 months of his contract with the club in the summer. That uncertainty has handed Arsenal a boost in their bid to sign Zubimendi, having been long-term admirers of the Spain international.
Mikel Arteta wants to sign the 25-year-old, who has a release clause of €60m (£51.2m) in his contract in San Sebastián. Thomas Partey has struggled with fitness issues in recent campaigns, while Jorginho is yet to agree an extension to his deal that expires in the summer.
Liverpool have also been linked with Zubimendi, though interest from Barcelona has also ‘gone quiet’ amid the club’s financial issues.
