Arsenal expect Martin Zubimendi to join in the summer despite some reports from Spain suggesting otherwise, according to David Ornstein.
There have been mixed reports from Spain over the last couple of weeks with regards to the status of Real Madrid’s pursuit of Arsenal transfer target Martin Zubimendi.
Spanish outlet AS initially claimed that whilst Real are interested in Zubimendi, Arsenal are the front runners.
But COPE claimed the opposite, writing that Zubimendi is increasingly close to a Madrid switch, representing somewhat of a hijack.
David Ornstein reports for The Athletic that he hasn’t heard anything on Real Madrid’s interest in Zubimendi, and Arsenal are expecting the midfielder to join in the summer.
Whether or not the deal is “completely done”, Arsenal are reportedly operating on the basis that they’ll be signing the player this summer, having already done a lot of legwork to get to this stage.
This all follows claims in January that Arsenal had all but completed a deal, with Mikel Arteta courting the midfielder for over a year and talks at an advanced stage.
Zubimendi is a key player for club and country at the moment, making 40 appearances for Real Sociedad this season and starting six of Spain’s last eight 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.