Arsenal ‘expect’ to sign key target ahead of Real Madrid and Man Utd | Football

Arsenal are confident of signing Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi this summer despite fresh competition from Real Madrid.

The Gunners launched a move for Zubimendi at the start of the year and reports claimed they had all but wrapped up a deal for the Real Sociedad star.

Zubimendi was previously linked with Manchester City and Liverpool but rejected advances from both clubs after his impressive performances at Euro 2024 for winners Spain.

Arsenal were believed to be on the verge of signing Zubimendi for around £51m, with Mikel Arteta keen to bolster his midfield options ahead of the likely departure of Jorginho and Thomas Partey.

But the transfer was seemingly thrown into doubt last week as it emerged Real Madrid were considering hijacking Arsenal’s deal and submitting an offer to their La Liga rivals.

Reports is Spain said a move from Real Madrid was ‘increasingly likely’ and suggested Zubimendi could snub Arsenal to move to the Bernabeu.

But it has been widely reported that Arsenal remain confident of signing Zubimendi and ‘expect’ the Spaniard to arrive through the doors at the Emirates Stadium.

The Athletic claim Arsenal are ‘working on the basis’ that Zubimendi will be a Gunners player next season, while a report in Spain says a deal between the two clubs has almost been reached.

Arteta wants to strengthen his squad in the summer as Arsenal look set for a third successive second-place finish in the Premier League.

A number of strikers have been linked with the Gunners, including long-term Manchester United target Viktor Gyokeres.

When Arsenal’s move for Zubimendi first broke, ex-Gunners defender William Gallas questioned the deal and suggested the transfer would be a costly mistake.

‘I can’t understand why Arsenal are signing Martín Zubimendi, they have so many midfielders and that should not have been the priority,’ Gallas told Spin Genie.

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand echoed that sentiment on his podcast earlier this month, saying: ‘They don’t need that player.’

After more than two weeks without a game, Arsenal return to Premier League action on Tuesday night against London rivals Fulham.

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

MORE: Man Utd forced to make embarrassing decision ahead of Manchester derby

MORE: Surprise Premier League manager is ‘better than’ Mikel Arteta and Enzo Maresca

MORE: Nottingham Forest vs Man Utd: Latest team news, predicted lineup and injuries