Real Madrid are now looking at alternatives for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi as they left it too late to sign him, leaving the door open for Arsenal to complete a deal.
The Gunners have worked hard behind the scenes to secure a move for Zubimendi, who is expected to replace Jorginho in the squad, for a fee of £55million. However, there was concern that Los Blancos could hijack a deal for Zubimendi after expressing an interest in the Spain international.
Xabi Alonso is keen to add a homegrown midfielder to his squad and had identified Zubimendi, who has impressed for Real Sociedad across recent years, as a transfer target. But, according to AS, Los Blancos have waited too long to pursue a move for the 26-year-old and are eyeing up alternatives.
It's added that Manchester City's Rodri is at the top of their shopping list, less than a year after he won the Ballon d'Or. He is considered as a 'tempting' proposition for Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.
Rodri has two years left on his contract at the Etihad Stadium and Real Madrid are tempted to target him next summer, when he'll have 12 months remaining on his deal.
Senior figures at Real Madrid are resigned to the fact that Zubimendi is set to sign for Arsenal, and have 'accepted defeat' on that front. Los Blancos may make a move for an alternative after the Club World Cup, depending on how the tournament goes for Alonso and his team.
football.london understands that Zubimendi has verbally agreed a £55m move to the Emirates Stadium, with only a medical left to complete. He is expected to become their first marquee signing of the summer transfer window, with a new No.9 anticipated to follow.
After playing 3,955 minutes across 48 matches for Real Sociedad and then two Nations League fixtures for Spain, Zubimendi is sure to go on holiday following a long season.
FIFA guidelines state that players should be given three weeks off after club and international games have concluded to have a break from the sport and that those three weeks should run in succession.
If Zubimendi has chosen to go on holiday now, it might delay his proposed move to Arsenal until at least the end of June. The Gunners are expected to return to pre-season on Monday, July 7.