Arsenal’s search for a new midfielder appears to be hotting up heading into this summer.

While all of the Gunners’ focus right now may be on the title race, there is a transfer window coming up and Edu has to have half an eye on new additions at the Emirates.

A number of new midfield players have been linked, from Bruno Guimaraes to Manu Kone, but according to one report, Arsenal have now made a bid for a ‘world class’ option.

Arsenal have made Martin Zubimendi offer

According to TuttoJuve, Arsenal have now opened the bidding to sign Martin Zubimendi.

This report states that Arsenal have made a formal proposal worth €50m (£45m) for the player’s signature.

Zubimendi has a €60m release clause in his contract, but it would appear Arsenal are trying to get something of a discount on the Spaniard.

TuttoJuve report this story as Juventus are also keen, and this opening offer from Arsenal could spark a bidding war.

Martin Zubimendi deal won’t be easy

Arsenal have opened the bidding in the race to sign Zubimendi, but this deal still won’t be easy to do.

Indeed, Zubimendi has remained fiercely loyal to Real Sociedad over the years, and as a local lad, he may yet opt to stay.

However, given Mikel Arteta’s own links to Real Sociedad, Arsenal are hoping that their manager can sway the midfielder’s plans, as per Dean Jones.

“Yeah, he’s taking some persuading. The only thing Arsenal are hoping right now, he’s at Real Sociedad, Mikel Arteta used to play for Real Sociedad. He’s from San Sebastian, they’re hoping he can convince him,” Jones said of Zubimendi last week.

This opening offer shows Arsenal’s commitment to pushing this deal through, and while it remains to be seen if this bid is accepted, Arsenal are only €10m (£9m) away from triggering the player’s release clause, so there is a way for the Gunners to skip these tedius club-to-club negotiations should they wish to.

This is certainly a situation to keep an eye on.