Real Madrid are preparing to hijack Arsenal's move for Real Madrid and Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
The 26-year-old has been the subject of increased transfer speculation with his future in the balance.
Zubimendi, who came close to joining Liverpool last summer before rejecting a deal last-minute, has been strongly linked with a move to the Gunners.
He would help to solve Arsenal's midfield issues with Thomas Partey and Jorginho both out of contract the end of the season.
After not being ready to leave Real last summer, Zubimendi appears keen to make the next step in his career and it's no surprise that he has got many potential suitors.
The midfielder has been excellent for Real for a number of years and also contributed to Spain's Euro 2024 success.
It was reported back in January that Arsenal were all-but there with a £51million agreement for Zubimendi, but now, according to Diario AS, Real Madrid are eager to add more Spanish players to their squad and have identified Zubimendi as a possible solution, having been such a key performer for his boyhood team.
Real Madrid currently have five home nation first-team players on their books and signing Zubimendi would help fill the eight needed ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Plus, Zubimendi would also bolster Real Madrid's squad, even if their midfield is already stacked several big-name stars in that position right now.
It's not just Real Madrid and Arsenal who have been linked with Zubimendi. Manchester City and Liverpool are also reported to be interested in the San Sebastian-born midfielder, who started and played the entire 90 minutes plus stoppage-time for Spain during their 2-2 draw with Netherlands on Thursday.
Arsenal are expected to dip into the transfer market to strengthen their squad in a number of areas this summer.
As well as adding a midfielder to their ranks, a new centre forward is said to be their priority.
Alexander Isak is among those that has been tipped with a move to the Emirates Stadium.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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