Martin Zubimendi remains Arsenal's first priority going into the summer transfer window, but Real Madrid could hijack the £51million deal which Mikel Arteta has been working on for months
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Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta has been dealt a blow(Image: GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal began their season run-in with a bittersweet 2-1 victory at home Fulham on Tuesday. Bukayo Saka marked his long-awaited return from injury with a goal but injuries to defenders Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber shrouded the win.
With the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash with Real Madrid less than a week away, Mikel Arteta will be sweating on the duo's fitness. The Gunners firstly travel to face Everton on Saturday, as they bid to keep their slender hopes of chasing Liverpool down and winning the Premier League title alive.
Even though the 2024-25 season might not end with a trophy and instead an outpouring of frustration from supporters, fans have been promised a 'big summer' by Arteta. Andrea Berta has been appointed as the club's new sporting director and will take charge of recruitment.
A deal for Martin Zubimendi has been in the pipeline since January but there's been a fresh twist which comes as a blow to Arsenal, who also want to sign a striker.
Here's a round-up of the latest news from the Emirates.
READ MORE: Injuries have undermined Arsenal's season - but Mikel Arteta must take some of the blameREAD MORE: How Arsenal could line up against Real Madrid as Mikel Arteta worried about FOUR defenders
Zubimendi transfer blow
Arsenal transfer target Martin Zubimendi would be 'delighted' to sign for Real Madrid, a report from Spain has claimed. Zubimendi, 26, was given the chance to strut his stuff at the Bernabeu on Tuesday, as current club Real Socieded suffered a heartbreaking extra-time defeat in the Copa del Rey semi-finals.
Winning the cup would've been a fitting way to end his time with his boyhood team, as Arsenal prepare to activate his €60million (£51m) release clause. But in a fresh twist, Real Madrid are considering hijacking his move to north London and Defensa Central claim that he'd be keen on the switch.
Should Martin Zubimendi sign for Arsenal or Real Madrid? Have your say in the comments section.
MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 01: Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad controls the ball during the Copa del Rey semifinal match between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 01, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Martin Zubimendi could end up snubbing Arsenal(Image: Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Timber breaks silence after injury
Jurrien Timber has broken his silence after coming off injured against Fulham. The Arsenal defender picked up a knee injury which forced him to be substituted in the 77th minute.
Mikel Arteta wasn't able to provide much clarity post-match but Timber has been active on social media. The 23-year-old commented a padlock emoji on Bukayo Saka's Instagram post, joining thousands of fans in congratulating him.
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 01: Jurrien Timber of Arsenal reacts as he is treated by Simon Murphy, Physio of Arsenal, after picking up an injury as Match Referee John Brooks looks on during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Fulham FC at Emirates Stadium on April 01, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Jurrien Timber suffered an injury against Fulham(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Vlahovic battle latest
Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United all reportedly remained interested in Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic. With just over 12 months left on his contract, Vlahovic has been given Juve's blessing to look for a new club, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Serbia international, 25, has been linked with Arsenal since the Gunners tried to sign him from Fiorentina in January 2022, having made himself into the one of the most feared young marksmen in Europe. Juventus beat Arsenal to him, though, sealing an €80m (£66.4m) transfer.
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