Arsenal’s hopes of securing the signing of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi have taken a significant hit, with the likelihood of his move to the Emirates now appearing increasingly uncertain. The club had been confident in their pursuit of the Spanish international, but recent developments have cast doubt over their chances of bringing him to North London.
The Gunners’ efforts to sign Zubimendi have been further complicated following their disappointing defeat to Newcastle. Adding to their worries, Real Madrid has reportedly entered the race, posing a serious threat to Arsenal’s hopes of completing the transfer. With the Spanish giants now showing keen interest, Arsenal’s position as frontrunners has been put in jeopardy.
Zubimendi has been one of the most sought-after midfielders in European football, particularly following his impressive performances for Spain during their Euro 2024 triumph. Arsenal had been prepared to trigger his £51 million release clause to secure his services for the summer, seemingly placing them in a strong position to land the player. However, recent reports suggest that Madrid has now entered the conversation, which could derail Arsenal’s plans.
The situation has taken a new turn with reports from Spanish journalist Mario Cortegana indicating that Zubimendi is in talks with Real Madrid. The club has a history of swooping in for top targets from Premier League sides, as demonstrated by their previous signings of Aurelien Tchouameni and Jude Bellingham. Arsenal now faces the challenge of fending off competition from one of Europe’s most powerful clubs if they hope to bring the midfielder to the Premier League.
Despite all the speculation surrounding his future, Zubimendi has remained tight-lipped about a potential transfer. Speaking in November, he addressed the ongoing rumors by stating that such speculation is inevitable, especially with the January window approaching. However, he made it clear that he does not allow outside noise to distract him and remains focused on his current situation.
For Arsenal, missing out on Zubimendi would be a major setback, as strengthening their midfield has been a priority. Supporters had been optimistic that the 26-year-old would join in the summer to provide additional quality in the squad. Now, with Madrid’s involvement, the Gunners may need to reassess their transfer strategy to avoid being left without reinforcements.
This latest twist in the transfer saga adds to Arsenal’s ongoing struggles. The club has already faced difficulties in the market, particularly in their failed attempt to sign a striker. They were heavily linked with Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins but ultimately refused to meet the £60 million asking price, leaving their attacking options unchanged.
To make matters worse, Arsenal’s lack of signings has been evident in their performances, particularly in their Carabao Cup elimination at the hands of Newcastle. With domestic cup success now out of reach, the club’s focus must shift entirely to the Premier League. Securing Zubimendi would provide a crucial boost, but with Madrid in the mix, Arsenal must act swiftly if they hope to land their top midfield target.
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