Real Madrid are racing Arsenal to acquire Martin Zubimendi’s signature in the summer transfer window.
In January, it was revealed that Arsenal are set to sign Zubimendi from Real Sociedad at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.
The midfielder turned down Liverpool, and now a deal with the Gunners is said to be ‘virtually completed’; however, there could be a stumbling block.
Zubimendi is also on Real Madrid’s radar, putting pressure on those at the Emirates to get the £51m deal over the line promptly.
Martin Zubimendi to Real Madrid transfer prediction
Though Arsenal are aware of interest around Zubimendi, the Gunners remain confident that their top midfield target will be acquired.
That being said, Real Madrid are the dream destination for plenty of players, with all eyes on where the 26-year-old’s path will lead him.
Interestingly, Zubimendi’s transfer to Real Madrid was predicted only last year; however, it doesn’t particularly portray bad news for Mikel Arteta.
The player’s former youth coach, Roberto Montiel, spoke to The Athletic in 2024, where he announced his ‘feeling’ that Zubimendi will follow a similar career path to Xabi Alonso.
“I have the feeling that he [Zubimendi] is following in the footsteps of Xabi Alonso,” Montiel said.
“When there were rumours that he was going to Real Madrid, he stayed at Real Sociedad, settled there and went to the national team. Then Liverpool and Madrid arrived.”
While Montiel’s prediction shed hope for Real Madrid’s pursuit of Zubimendi, it did include a diversion to England that might fall perfectly for the Gunners.
If the Spaniard were to follow in Alonso’s footsteps, as predicted, the Premier League could be Zubimendi’s next destination, in favour of a move across Spain.
Arsenal need to tie down Zubimendi
Aside from the fact that Zubimendi is wanted at Arsenal, the Gunners should also have some confidence given how committed the 26-year-old is to his boyhood club.
Could the Euro 2024 winner’s ties to Sociedad deter him from joining another Spanish club anytime soon? It’s a possibility.
From an Arsenal point of view, Arteta has identified his top target, has made progress with regard to signing him in the summer and now, cannot fall at the final hurdle to get a deal over the line.
The Arsenal squad is in dire need of a defensive midfielder, and Arteta believes Zubimendi is the man for the job, emphasising the need to omit any threat from Real Madrid.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
