Arsenal's pursuit of Martin Zubimendi appears to be at risk of collapsing with the player reportedly holding out for a move to Real Madrid. The midfielder has been lined up to join the Gunners since January but the deal is yet to be finalised ahead of Tuesday's transfer deadline. He has been on Arsenal's radar for a number of years with Mikel Arteta a huge admirer of his talents.
Zubimendi has a £51million release clause at Real Sociedad and it was reported earlier this year that a deal with Arsenal was 'virtually complete'. The north Londoners are in the market for a new midfielder with Jorginho having left the club upon the expiry of his contract. However, the move now looks to be at risk of falling apart just hours before the deadline.
The player has 'put the brakes on' his arrival at Arsenal due to a 'possible call' from Real Madrid, according to the print edition of Marca. It is said that Zubimendi has emerged as a late target for the Spanish giants, who are trying to hijack the deal.
A separate report from Marca suggests that Real Madrid landing on the scene has 'changed the landscape' of the situation. Arsenal, meanwhile, are said to be 'concerned' that Zubimendi will turn his back on them and hold out for a move to the Bernabeu.
However, according to The Athletic, those in power at Arsenal believe the deal is essentially 'done and signed' and that Zubimendi is expected to report for pre-season training next month. Only time will tell how the situation develops before the window closes for six days tonight (Tuesday evening).
Earlier this month, Zubimendi played down reports that a move to Arsenal was virtually done by insisting that he did not know where he would be playing next season.
"Of course there are options, but it's true that it looks like it's going to be a different, long summer and I don't know how it's going to end," the Spaniard told Radio Nacional.
"I don't think thinking about that 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, I'll do it."
Zubimendi recently posted a picture of Zurriola beach in San Sebastian on social media, explaining that he did it to quell the news that he was about to sign for Arsenal.
"It's an example of what surrounds football," he added. "I often wake up in the morning and read things I didn't even know I'd done. That was a clear example.
"It's true I don't take it too seriously, but anyway, I posted those photos to emphasise that it wasn't exactly the reality of what was happening."