Arsenal are waiting on a decision from Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi after Real Madrid entered the race to sign the Spain international, according to reports
Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad looks on during the LaLiga match between Real Sociedad and Athletic Club at Reale Arena
Martin Zubimendi seemingly can't make his mind up(Image: Juan Manuel Serrano Arce, Getty Images)
Arsenal are biting their nails over the potential signing of Real Sociedad's midfield ace Martin Zubimendi after Real Madrid reportedly threw their hat into the ring for the Spanish international.
Zubimendi raised eyebrows with his last minute decision to turn down a move to Liverpool last summer. He has since been hotly-tipped for a switch to the Emirates, which was believed to be almost a done deal for the summer transfer window.
Yet, he later denied reports than a medical was imminent and seemed to distance himself from a move to North London, leaving Arsenal hanging as they await the player's verdict on his future.
And now a report in Spanish newspaper Marca suggests snagging Zubimendi just got trickier with Madrid showing "real interest" in nabbing him as they look to fill Luka Modric's boots. Marca claims one phone call from the La Liga giants has "changed everything", reports the Mirror.
Madrid are gearing up for the Club World Cup this summer, and new manager Xabi Alonso is on the hunt to strengthen his squad for the revamped tournament.
Martin Zubimendi
Martin Zubimendi's future is up in the air(Image: GSI/Icon Sport via Getty Images)
Real have splashed out £10m to nab Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool just in time for the competition, but securing the signature of Zubimendi in time to compete in the US is off the cards, according to reports.
Yet, Madrid are pondering their next step regarding the 26-year-old, with "all options open" as club chiefs look to arm Alonso with a top-notch team to win back the La Liga crown after a season without silverware.
Zubimendi's performances were pivotal in Spain's Euro 2024 triumph and he's been a standout for Sociedad in La Liga too, starting 33 matches, netting twice and setting up another.
This Sunday, he shone once more for Luis de la Fuente's men in the Nations League final against Portugal, bagging the first goal, although they didn't clinch the win.
Zubimendi recently opened up about his future, casting doubt over a departure from Sociedad and confessing he's in the dark about his summer fate.
"Of course there are options, but it's true that it seems like it's going to be a different, long summer, and I don't know how it will end," he remarked.
"I don't think thinking about it right now is my priority. I'm here with the national team, which I think is already quite demanding, and if I have to say something, then I will."
On the constant rumours that he's set to leave Sociedad, he commented: "It's an example of what surrounds football. Many times I wake up in the morning and read things that I didn't know I had done. That was a clear example."
Mikel Arteta is keen to beef up his squad's midfield options. With Jorginho set to exit and Thomas Partey's contract ticking down this month, the Gunners' need in that department is pressing.