REAL MADRID are reportedly trying to hijack Arsenal’s deal to sign Martin Zubimendi in a move that could scupper the Gunners’ summer plans.
Arsenal were thought to be leading the race for Zubimendi’s signature with reports claiming that a deal was on the brink of completion.
Mikel Arteta is keen to bring Zubimendi to the Emirates stadium with the hopes of strengthening his midfield options and replacing Jorginho – who has left to join Flamengo.
Arsenal are thought to have agreed to pay Zubimendi’s £51m release clause to pry him away from Real Sociedad.
However, according to Spanish outlet AS, Real Madrid are planning a “final attack” to try and sign him instead, with new boss Xabi Alonso keen on a new central midfielder.
It’s claimed that Zubimendi is “attracted” to the idea of playing for Madrid, while he is also said to prefer staying in Spain next year.
It had seemed all-but-confirmed that he would be heading to Arsenal, but the news of Madrid’s last ditch attempt could spell trouble for the North London club.
Liverpool looked set to sign Zubimendi themselves last summer, but after long talks and drawn out negotiations he ultimately snubbed the Reds to stay with Sociedad.
Zubimendi is reportedly keen on the idea of playing under Alonso, who he worked with at Real Sociedad B.
Arsenal need reinforcements in midfield with Jorginho’s confirmed exit. Thomas Partey is yet to sign a contract extension with the club and his current deal expires at the end of this month.
Zubimendi didn’t rule out a move elsewhere when asked about his future while on international duty with Spain.
He said: “Of course there are options, but it’s true that it looks like it’s going to be a different, long summer, and I don’t know how it’s going to end.
“Right now, thinking about it isn’t my priority. I’m here with the national team, which is already quite demanding, and if I have to say something, then I will.”
Asked about playing under Alonso and the influence he has had on him, Zubimendi replied: “I’ve always said that he was my idol and that for me it was a stroke of luck that he was able to coach me in the reserve team in a very important year.
“[But] I don’t like to talk about those hypotheses, I like to talk about the present.
“I think it would be disrespectful to answer a question [about a Madrid move] while I’m in the national team, and facing such an important competition.”
Zubimendi scored two goals and registered one assist in 36 La Liga appearances for Sociedad this season.
Meanwhile Arsenal look set to complete the £5m signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea, with the goalkeeper arriving to provide back-up for David Raya.
A striker also remains a top priority for Arteta and his team, with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres admired by the Gunners hierarchy.
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