Arsenal are still pursuing a summer deal for Martin Zubimendi, but they may yet face competition from Real Madrid for the signing.
Reports in January suggested Arsenal had all but completed a deal for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi for a summer transfer, with Mikel Arteta reportedly courting the midfielder for over a year and talks at an advanced stage.
At the time, those reports suggested Arsenal would ideally like Zubimendi to join immediately. But with Sociedad insisting the player finishes the season with them, the plan was to formally trigger his €60m (£50m) release clause in the summer.
In fact, some reports claimed Arsenal would even be willing to pay more than that clause for favourable payment terms. Yet it may not be a done deal just yet.
In their latest update, The Athletic report that Arsenal are still pursuing a deal, with Arteta a key driver behind it. But Mario Cortegana reports that there are increasing discussions at Real Madrid about Zubimendi.
At the very least, the midfielder appears to be on Madrid’s radar. You’d think Arsenal would be in the driving seat, but when Real Madrid are involved, it’s never a sure thing.
Liverpool had strongly pushed to sign Zubimendi last summer, but the player turned them down to remain where he was. The subsequent emergence of Ryan Gravenberch suggests Arne Slot won’t be quite so keen to push the transfer this time around.
Zubimendi is a key player for club and country at the moment, making 29 appearances for Real Sociedad this season and starting four of Spain’s last six matches.
The midfielder was also a regular in the Spain squad as they won Euro 2024, making four appearances including 45 vital minutes to win the final following the injury to Rodri.