Martin Zubimendi looking on while playing for Spain in the Nations League fiinal
Martin Zubimendi played for Spain in the Nations League final on Sunday amid speculation about Real Madrid hijacking his move to Arsenal this summer transfer window
The expectation that will sign for this has come under doubt over the weekend following reports in Spain about renewing their interest in the player.
football.london understands the Spanish club are , but the Gunners remain confident of finalising a transfer. admires the midfielder, who has been on the club's radar for multiple years.
Zubimendi has verbally agreed to a move, football.london understands, with only a medical to complete. Accounting reasons, though, are likely to mean that any announcement happens next month rather than during June.
MARCA reports that Madrid have a "real interest" in the player. A move to the La Liga runners-up is said to now be possible for the first time all season.
The national daily tabloid sports newspaper claims Zubimendi recently "received a call that has changed everything". They proclaim that "everything is open" and "nothing is set in stone".
There is reputedly a desire from coaches and directors alike at Madrid to sign the Spain international. Now is purportedly the time for them to ask Real Sociedad and "take the plunge".
Diario AS also reports that Madrid are not giving up and will make a final push to sign Zubimendi despite pessimism previously reigning in the Spanish capital regarding the prospect of signing the player.
Their new head coach, Xabi Alonso, is said to be clear about wanting the midfielder. They describe Zubimendi as "the piece he is looking for in the midfield of his new team".
Madrid will reportedly try to pay less than the €60 million (£51million) release clause in his contract by allowing Real Sociedad to take one of their players on loan free of charge. However, they purportedly will not be able to match the wages that Arsenal are offering.
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