Real Sociedad and Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi has shown Arsenal exactly what he can do after scoring the opener in the Nations League final against Portugal on Sunday evening.
The 26-year-old defensive midfielder capitalised on some sloppy Portuguese defending to fire home from close range to give the European champions the lead in Munich. Unfortunately for the Spaniards, their lead did not last long.
Despite Cristiano Ronaldo being offside in the build-up, Portugal equalised just five minutes later thanks to Nuno Mendes' strike. Nevertheless, Zubimendi's involvement was another reminder why Arsenal are battling hard to sign the midfielder.
For weeks, it has seemed set in stone that Arsenal would be completing a deal for Zubimendi this summer but this inevitably was thrown into doubt after reports from Diario AS on Sunday afternoon. The Spanish outlet claimed that Real Madrid are planning a last attempt to hijack the move and bring the midfielder to the Bernabeu this summer.
It is claimed that Los Blancos have come to the conclusion that there is not a defensive midfielder on the market better than Zubimendi and they will try their best to muscle in on the deal. Real are reportedly not willing to activate Zubimendi's £50m release clause this summer whereas Arsenal are.
This could be the sticking point which prevents Real from bagging their man. However, the midfielder is thought to be open to remaining in La Liga if the option presents itself.
What will also be playing on the mind of the Gunners is that Zubimendi seemed destined for Liverpool last summer only to withdraw himself from that transfer at the last minute. Once Zubimendi is done with international duty, we can expect to discover more concrete news on the midfielder's future.
And the goal for his national side has sent a clear message to Arsenal about just how good Zubimendi is.
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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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