Spain international Martin Zubimendi could be on the move this summer, with both Arsenal and Real Madrid hoping to persuade the midfielder to leave Real Sociedad
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Martin Zubimendi
Real Madrid are interested in Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi
(Image: ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Arsenal's pursuit of Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi could reportedly be hijacked by Real Madrid. The Gunners have held a longstanding interest in Zubimendi, who has a £51million release clause in his contract.
It has previously been reported that Arsenal were in advanced talks to sign Zubimendi this summer, with the Gunners keen to bring him in to replace Thomas Partey and Jorginho who are expected to leave the Emirates when their deals expire at the end of the season.
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However, according to reports from Spain, Madrid are set to provide stiff competition for Zubimendi's signature. Spanish outlet AS are reporting that Zubimendi is viewed as a potential replacement for Toni Kroos, who retired last summer.
It is also claimed that Paris Saint-Germain star Vitinha is also on their radar, but Zubimendi would prove a cheaper acquisition due to his release clause. A separate report from El Partidazo de COPE claims that Zubimendi's agent is 'listening to offers' for the midfielder and that Madrid president Florentino Perez is 'making his move'.
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However, it is noted that the final decision will be down to the player and it remains to be seen where Zubimendi will be playing next season. The Spain international was heavily linked with a move to Liverpool last summer, but ultimately decided to remain at Sociedad.
Explaining his decision to reject Liverpool, Zubimendi told El Diario Vasco : "I went on vacation, and it caught me by surprise. It wasn't something I had planned. I reacted when the situation arose.
"It was an uncomfortable time for me but I weighed the pros and cons and concluded that the best option was to stay. I don't believe in 'once-in-a-lifetime' opportunities. If you're good and want to achieve something, it will come to you.
"There's no need to rush. I looked at my personal progression, who I am, and the club's project. I stayed because I knew this season would be important for me in the team, and I still had steps to take.
Martin Zubimendi
Arsenal are also hoping to sign Zubimendi this summer(Image: Cristian Trujillo/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
"It wasn't that hard of a decision. There were many reasons for my decision, but I was selfish and thought about what was best for me – and that was staying." Zubimendi has been at Sociedad since the age of 12 and made more than 200 appearances for the club across all competitions.
However, he is open to leaving Sociedad if the right opportunity arises. "My philosophy is to do what I feel at all times," he added. "So far, things have gone well for me. It is true that there was a lot of noise.
"I went through uncomfortable moments. The best thing for me was to stay here and I am happy and at peace. There is a lot of noise because of the press but in the end everything is easier than all that.
"Of course I don't regret it, I can't think that after four or five games at the start of the season. I made my decision from within, I thought it was the best thing to do, the results don't affect me. I see potential in this team, you just have to watch us train and I'm excited about having a good season.”
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