Arsenal have informed Real Madrid of Martin Zubimendi plans | OneFootball

Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has been chased by significant proportion of the top clubs in Europe at this point, but with the Basque midfielder finally looking like leaving Anoeta this summer, two are at the forefront of the race for his signature.

Director of Football Roberto Olabe and manager Imanol Alguacil will both be on the move this summer, having announced that they will step away from their roles, and it feels as if it will be a changing of the guard in Donostia-San Sebastian. Zubimendi could be the next big cornerstone to be excavated, and both Arsenal and Real Madrid are interested in paying his €60m release clause, although in the case of the latter the final green light is yet to be given.

Depending on exits though, it does appear as if Real Madrid will make a move for a central midfielder this summer, and if they do, Zubimendi appears to be the priority. As per Marca, they have opened talks with his camp, but Arsenal will not give him up without a fight. They say that during their director’s dinner before the Champions League clash between the two, Arsenal declared that their intention was to sign Zubimendi, and even let it be known that they considered the deal close to done.

This has been the line from London since January, and after holding advanced talks with Zubimendi and his camp, the Gunners seem to feel they will get their man. It is said that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been in contact with Zubimendi personally over a deal.

The unknown is what Zubimendi will make of Real Madrid’s proposal. It would be no surprise if Arsenal were willing to offer more money than Los Blancos, but local media in the Spanish capital have claimed that he would prioritise a switch to the Santiago Bernabéu too. The prospect of being managed by his idol, Xabi Alonso, at Real Madrid also seems increasingly likely too, something that would also be a factor in his decision.