Real Madrid huge admirers of €60 million-rated Arsenal priority target | OneFootball

As Real Madrid get set to take on Real Sociedad in a few hours in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final tie, they will be paying close attention to a certain Martin Zubimendi.

The 26-year-old Spanish international has become one of the most reliable and consistent midfielders in La Liga and his growth has not gone unnoticed at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Real Madrid love Zubimendi

Indeed, according to AS, Zubimendi is highly regarded at Real Madrid and remains firmly on the club’s radar heading into the summer transfer window.

The Real Sociedad star’s style, experience at the highest level, and nationality – helping to build a strong Spanish core – are all factors that make him an attractive option for Los Blancos.

The report further adds that Real Madrid view Zubimendi as a player with a profile similar to former midfielder Toni Kroos or even Manchester City’s Rodri and have their eyes on him.

Arsenal favourites for Zubimendi

However, Real Madrid are fully aware that Zubimendi is highly coveted in the Premier League, with Arsenal leading the race for him.

Zubimendi is a man in demand. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

With Jorginho and Thomas Partey set to leave in June, the Gunners have prioritised Zubimendi as their top target and are prepared to trigger his €60 million release clause without hesitation.

As such, the operation is said to be well advanced, with Mikel Arteta playing a key role in the negotiations.

Real Madrid not losing hope

Despite Arsenal’s advantage, Real Madrid are determined to stay in contention. They recognise that they are at a disadvantage but remember last summer’s events when Zubimendi was on the verge of joining Liverpool before opting to continue in Spain.

The gap between negotiations and finalising a deal can be significant, and Real Madrid are banking on that uncertainty and are continuing to monitor the situation closely.

However, the urgency Real Madrid once felt regarding the midfield position has diminished, largely due to Dani Ceballos, who has hit his best form and is closer to renewing than leaving. Additionally, Aurelien Tchouameni’s recent improvement also helps.

However, a string of poor results could instantly shift the club’s priorities, which is why they continue to keep Zubimendi as a viable option. If the club accelerates its pursuit of a midfielder, he remains the top candidate.