Romano reveals Arsenal have sent scouts to watch €50m player after 'Odegaard recommended him to Arteta'

Arsenal have sent scouts to watch two Real Sociedad players following a recommendation from captain Martin Odegaard.

Arsenal have enjoyed an excellent season under Mikel Arteta and could end the campaign as Premier League champions.

The Gunners have a four-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the table, having played one game more than their closest rivals.

While their immediate focus is on the title race and Friday's match against Southampton, Arsenal are already looking ahead to the summer transfer window and potential signings that could help them in their return to Champions League football next season.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has now confirmed the north London have sent scouts to watch two Real Sociedad players; Martin Zubimendi and Robin Le Normand.

"Arsenal sent their scouts to follow both Martin Zubimendi and Robin Le Normand this year as they're doing excellent with Real Sociedad, but nothing is concrete yet," wrote Romano, in his substack for CaughtOffside.

"The Gunners' plans on new signings will be made in the next weeks, nothing is advanced yet. The price for Le Normand is the release clause: €50m."

Odegaard's recommendation to Arsenal

Spanish outlet Relevo (via Tribal Football) claim Arsenal were convinced to keep tabs on Real Sociedad centre-back Le Normand following a recommendation from Odegaard.

Odegaard played alongside both Zubimendi and Le Normand while on loan at Sociedad from Real Madrid in the 2019-20 campaign.

Arsenal were strongly linked with Spain international Zubimendi in the January transfer window.

Barcelona are also said to be interested in the midfielder and view him as a potential replacement for Sergio Busquets, who is expected to leave the Catalan club at the end of the season.

Speaking earlier this year, Zubimendi has played down the chances of joining Arsenal in the summer.

When asked about the transfer reports, he said: "Rumours, rumours, because I told my manager that I didn't want to hear anything, especially in winter.

"Leaving Real Sociedad aside with the season we are having would be illogical. Here I am very happy.

"I look forward to a quiet summer."

Topics: Arsenal, Football, Premier League, Real Sociedad, Transfers, Martin Odegaard, Mikel Arteta

Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan is Editorial Lead at SPORTbible. He has previously worked for Sky Sports News, MailOnline and Reach covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA. Tested daily as a Liverpool fan in a Manchester office.

@rory_ocallaghan