Martin Zubimendi should be allowed to leave Real Sociedad this summer, but it’s unlikely to be for Real Madrid, according to a report.
Marca journalist Jose Felix Diaz has told the RubenMartin YouTube channel that he believes Martin Zubimendi will be allowed to leave Real Sociedad this season, but he doesn’t think it will be for Real Madrid.
Real Madrid are reportedly focusing on the signing of Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister instead, leaving the pathway open for Zubimendi to go elsewhere.
There had been some reports from Spain over the last month that Real Madrid were interested in Arsenal target Zubimendi, but the claims have been repeatedly played down since then.
David Ornstein wrote for The Athletic that he hasn’t heard anything on Real Madrid’s interest in Zubimendi, adding that Arsenal are expecting the midfielder to join them in the summer.
Whether or not the deal is completely done, Arsenal are reportedly operating on the basis that they’ll be signing the midfielder 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 42 appearances for Real Sociedad this season and starting six of Spain’s last eight matches.
The 26-year-old 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.