La Liga midfielder admits admiration for Xabi Alonso amid Real Madrid links | OneFootball

With Real Madrid scouring the market for a new midfielder, one of the most prominent names linked with the club has been Real Sociedad ace Martin Zubimendi.

However, it has been suggested that the Basque star, who has a €60 million release clause, is headed for Arsenal, who have been working to sign him for months now.

Despite the reports, nothing seems to be fully finalised at the moment and at a recent media appearance, Zubimendi opened up on his future as well as the links to Real Madrid.

Zubimendi idolises Xabi Alonso

It must be remembered that Real Madrid’s new manager Xabi Alonso worked with Zubimendi for a season when he was in charge of the Real Sociedad B team at the start of his coaching career.

As such, Alonso’s appointment at the Santiago Bernabeu has only fuelled speculations of a move for Zubimendi. And the midfielder was asked if he had received a call from his former coach to join him at Real Madrid.

Zubimendi has been linked with Real Madrid. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

In response, the Spanish international said: “I’ve always said that he was my idol and that it was lucky for me that he was able to train me in the reserve team in a very important year. The following season I joined the first team.”

Continuing, he added: “Well, I don’t like to talk about these hypotheses, I prefer to talk about the present, because I also think it would be disrespectful to answer from the national team training camp and before facing such an important competition.”

Regarding his future, Zubimendi refused to confirm the move to Arsenal, even suggesting that he might end up staying at Real Sociedad.

“Of course there are options, but it’s true that it looks like it’s going to be a different, long summer and I don’t know how it’s going to end,” said the midfielder.

“I don’t think it’s my priority right now to think about it, I’m here in the national team, which I already think is quite demanding, and if I have to say something, then I’ll say it.”

Source: Noticias de Gipuzkoa