Real Madrid are planning to hijack Arsenal’s move for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, according to reports in Spain.
COPE claim that the European champions are prepared to pay the Spaniard’s €60m (£50m) release clause and he is “increasingly close” to making the switch to the Bernabeu.
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Despite it being reported a couple of months ago that Zubimendi’s move to the Gunners was all but sealed, fans on X are not actually that fussed if the player makes a U-Turn and joins Real instead:
Good player but not 100% convinced personally. Not mad if we lose out on him
— H-AFC❤️ (@RKOARSENAL) March 25, 2025
I hope madrid buys him … he‘s not gonna cook in the premier league 😂
— Bibi (@gunnersuiza) March 25, 2025
Plz let them have him
— Saka🖤♥️🤍 (@stopthatsaka7) March 25, 2025
I’ve watched Zubimendi play for Sociedad several times. He isn’t anywhere near the quality needed for a top Premier League team.
— Iggy (@iggymaz) March 25, 2025
I don’t know but is it only me that doesn’t really rate Zubi,
He wont elevate us,
He isn’t fantastic,
He isn’t fast,
Has no shot power,
He isn’t skillful,
He isn’t strong either,
Imo just another overhyped Spanish player..
Get me Baleba or Bruno .
— Everthing Arsenal (@DaniyelGlass) March 25, 2025
Good.
He looks nothing special for the prem
— Janux11 (@JJanux11) March 25, 2025
Our fans are getting their wish.
— Hasan96 (@Hasan9619) March 25, 2025
Zubimendi was set to replace a departing Arsenal player
It was thought that the 26-year-old was being lined up to take Jorginho’s place in the first-team squad for next season.
The former Chelsea player is expected to leave the Emirates on a free transfer at the end of June and he has been tipped to join Brazilian side Flamengo.
Could the money be diverted to signing a striker instead?
One of the reasons why supporters are not overly upset about the Zubimendi deal potentially being hijacked is because many feel that the £50m could be better spent on other positions.
Manager Mikel Arteta is in desperate need of a centre-forward and if the failure to land Zubimendi leads to the club having greater funds to buy someone like Alexander Isak then that would be deemed acceptable.
If you would like to read more stories like this, visit this page forArsenal Transfer News. You can also keep up to date via our Facebook page and follow us on X