Arsenal are closing in on a deal to sign Martin Zubimendi, but Real Madrid are not giving up their pursuit.
Zubimendi has been on Real Madrid’s radar for some time, however, he’s also understood to be Mikel Arteta’s missing piece to Arsenal’s midfield.
In January, it was announced that the Gunners were close to signing Zubimendi, with a deal said to have been advancing ahead of the 2025 summer transfer window.
Now that the window is open, it’s become clear that Arsenal aren’t alone in their desire to recruit the Real Sociedad star, with Real Madrid desperate to keep the 26-year-old in Spain.
Martin Zubimendi to Arsenal transfer in jeopardy
Despite Madrid’s strong interest, it’s been reported for some time that Arsenal are close to confirming Zubimendi’s transfer.
That being said, in a recent interview, Zubimendi concerned some Arsenal fans, as he claimed he ‘didn’t know’ what the summer would hold for him.
Anxiety is growing around N5, particularly after Spanish outlet AS reported that Real Madrid are plotting one ‘last push’ to sign the Spain international.
The report doesn’t signal much encouragement for Arsenal, particularly as Xabi Alonso’s stance on signing the player came to fruition.
Alonso ‘is clear’ that Zubimendi is his top target for Madrid’s midfield, with the club believing that there are no targets better than the Euro 2024 winner.
To add to the concern, AS report that the Arsenal target is ‘more in favour’ of remaining in Spain than going to England, and that’s not the only reason why Real Madrid might have the upper hand.
Zubimendi is said to be ‘attracted to the idea’ of playing for the Galacticos and has a strong relationship with Alonso, understanding that he already has the coach’s ‘approval’.
Arsenal don’t have such advantages to offer their top transfer target, putting pressure on Andrea Berta to present an irrefutable proposal to the player.
Arsenal will be wary of Zubimendi’s history
From a transfer that appeared to be all but guaranteed in the winter to a saga that is now taking every twist and turn possible, there’s no clarity on whether Arteta will land his midfield target.
What the Gunners will be wary of is that Zubimendi has turned down a move to the Premier League before, rejecting Liverpool after Arne Slot’s approach last summer.
The Spaniard has shown that he’s not afraid to turn down the English top flight in favour of staying in Spain, which could be causing alarm bells to sound at the Emirates.
AS’s report paints a narrative that Real Madrid believe they can have the upper hand in negotiations, with no decision made just yet.
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