At the weekend, AS reported Real Madrid aim to make a final offensive to challenge Arsenal in the race for Real Sociedad’s Martín Zubimendi.
The Spain international is on the front page of today’s Marca, with ‘Zubimendi listens to Real Madrid’ written in bold.
They state the midfielder is putting the brakes on his move to Arsenal after Los Blancos called him. Marca report the Gunners are still waiting for the 26-year-old’s ‘definitive yes’ and are now concerned it hasn’t arrived yet.
Zubimendi very much seemed to be on his way to Arsenal this summer, but Marca report the situation changed after Real Madrid’s emergence in the last few hours. Their coaches and directors have ‘real interest’ in him.
Marca state Real Madrid are aware Zubimendi hasn’t made the final decision on where to move next.
He’s determined to change clubs and was all but set to join Mikel Arteta’s side. In recent days, the Spaniard received a call from Real Madrid, who hadn’t considering signing him until the end of this season.
Marca say this call has ‘changed everything’ as Xabi Alonso’s side are trying to snatch him from Arsenal’s clutches.
Cadena Ser journalist Manu Carreño has shared updates on Arsenal’s interest in La Real star on El Larguero, relayed by El Desmarque.
Amid claims of Real Madrid wanting to hijack the north London club’s operation, the latter, as per Carreño, seem to be relaxed.
“Sources close to Arsenal indicate that they have it closed, that they have the deal finalised. I’m not putting my hand in the fire 100% because this is football… everyone has information and sources,” he said.
“He has a deal with the club and that there’s no possibility of that breaking down and that he won’t play for Real Madrid.
“He isn’t a real option at Real Madrid due to his commitment to Arsenal.”
To sum it up, Marca reports Zubimendi doesn’t have an agreement in place with Arsenal while Carreño claims the Gunners have the ‘deal finalised’ according to a source there.