Real Madrid
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Real Madrid are closing in on a move for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, potentially hijacking Arsenal’s long-standing pursuit of the Spanish international.
The 26-year-old rejected a transfer to Liverpool last summer, while Manchester City also expressed interest. Arsenal had seemingly won the race for his signature in January after agreeing a £51 million deal with Real Sociedad, with plans to bring him to north London this summer.
However, reports from Spain now claim that Real Madrid are ‘increasingly close’ to securing Zubimendi’s services, despite Arsenal’s agreement with Sociedad over the transfer fee. According toCOPE, Zubimendi’s agent is still entertaining offers, leaving the door open for a move elsewhere.
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Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez is reportedly ‘on track’ to finalise the deal, with the possible arrival of Xabi Alonso as Carlo Ancelotti’s successor serving as an additional incentive for the midfielder. Alonso, currently managing Bayer Leverkusen, is seen as a strong candidate to take charge at the Santiago Bernabéu next season, and Zubimendi is viewed as a ‘perfect tactical fit’ for his system.
Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi
Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi (Image Credit: Getty Images)
With Luka Modric nearing the end of his time at the club, Madrid are actively seeking a long-term midfield replacement. Zubimendi’s £50.2 million release clause is not expected to be an issue for the Spanish giants as they continue their squad overhaul ahead of the 2025-26 season.
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The Zubimendi move is part of Madrid’s wider transfer strategy, with reports also suggesting that Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to join on a free transfer. The Liverpool right-back’s contract expires at the end of the season, and despite lengthy negotiations, no new deal has been agreed—paving the way for Madrid to make their move.
Los Blancos have been monitoring Alexander-Arnold for nearly two years and are now poised to secure his signature.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are expected to be busy in the summer transfer window, but their pursuit of Zubimendi has raised questions, particularly given their ongoing need for a top-class centre forward.
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