Real Madrid ‘close’ to hijacking Martin Zubimendi deal despite Arsenal agreement

Spain v Netherlands - UEFA Nations League Quarterfinal Leg Two — Zubimendi one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe (Picture: Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)

Real Madrid are on the brink of hijacking Arsenal’s move for Martin Zubimendi.

The Real Sociedad midfielder rejected a move to Liverpool last summer with Manchester City also among his admirers.

Arsenal appeared to have won the race for his signature in January however, agreeing a £51million deal with the Basque club to bring him to north London this summer.

But reports in Spain now claim Real are now ‘increasingly close’ to signing the Spain international ahead of the Gunners.

Despite that agreement between Real Sociedad and Arsenal over the fee, Zubimendi’s agent is still listening to offers for his client, Cope report.

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Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is ‘on track’ to tie up a deal to keep the 26-year-old in Spain with the possible arrival of Xabi Alonso at the Santiago Bernabeu this summer an added incentive for the player.

The current Bayer Leverkusen boss remains firmly in the running to replace Carlo Ancelotti in the Spanish capital at the end of the season with Zubimendi a ‘perfect tactical fit’ for Alonso.

Athletic Club v Real Sociedad - La Liga EA Sports — Arsenal agreed a fee for the midfielder in January (Picture: Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Zubimendi’s £50.2million release clause will not be a problem for the reigning Spanish and European champions who are seeking a long-term replacement for Luka Modric.

It would mark another huge move from Real ahead of the 2025-26 season with Los Blancos on the verge of signing Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer from Liverpool.

The England international’s contract at Anfield expires at the end of the season and despite protracted talks, no new deal has been agreed, allowing Real to swoop.

Real have been tracking Alexander-Arnold for close to two years and appear to have finally got their man.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 12: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 Second Leg match between Arsenal FC and PSV at Emirates Stadium on March 12, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) — A huge blow for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal (Picture: Getty Images)

Arsenal meanwhile are expected to be busy this summer with their pursuit of Zubimendi questioned given their persistent failure to bring in a centre forward.

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand believes Arsenal simply ‘do not need’ the midfielder, urging them to shift focus to Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak to transform them into champions.

‘Arsenal fans have been calling out for a No.9 for two or three years,’ Ferdinand told Rio Reacts.

‘If you can sign Isak, you’ve got to do it. They could win the league with him because he’s phenomenal and gives them something different.