The future of Martin Zubimendi looks as though it could take another twist this summer, a year on from the midfielder snubbing the chance to join Liverpool.
Zubimendi had looked set to make the move to Merseyside last summer, only to make a dramatic U-turn as he opted to stay put at Real Sociedad, leaving Anfield chiefs less than happy.
They wouldn’t have been too pleased either when it came to light that, despite indicating he had no intentions of ever leaving his boyhood club, Zubimendi was set to join Arsenal this summer. That is, until yet another twist in his transfer saga.
According to football.london, Real Madrid is now pushing hard to hijack Arsenal’s deal. Los Blancos of course recently hired Xabi Alonso as its new head coach, with the former Liverpool midfielder having worked with Zubimendi during his time in charge of Sociedad’s B team.
Despite Madrid’s plans, it is claimed that the Gunners remain confident they will get a deal for the midfielder over the line.
Zubimendi is said to have already verbally agreed a move to North London, with just a medical left to complete. It will be interesting to see though whether Real and Alonso might be able to turn the 26-year-old’s head.
Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad looks on during the LaLiga match between Real Sociedad and Athletic Club at Reale Arena
Real Madrid is looking to hijack Arsenal's move for Martin Zubimendi (Image: Juan Manuel Serrano Arce, Getty Images)
The move to Arsenal is said to be at an advanced stage, although the situation still remains open, which leaves the door open for Madrid.
And having seen Zubimendi dramatically backtrack on a move to Liverpool, Mikel Arteta and his side may now fear that it could suffer the same fate, only this time with Zubimendi choosing to go elsewhere rather than stay at his boyhood club.
“I don’t believe in 'once-in-a-lifetime' opportunities," Zubimendi said after snubbing Liverpool. "If you’re good and want to achieve something, it will come to you. There’s no need to rush.
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“I looked at my personal progression, who I am, and the club’s project. I stayed because I knew this season would be important for me in the team, and I still had steps to take.
“It wasn’t that hard of a decision. There were many reasons for my decision, but I was selfish and thought about what was best for me. And that was staying.”
Liverpool.com says: Not to sound bitter, but it would be very, very funny if Arsenal ended up missing out on Zubimendi now.
Liverpool fans have had to take plenty of trolling from their rivals after it looked like he would be heading to North London, so it would taste sweet if he ended up making yet another U-turn and went to Madrid instead.