Zubimendi’s Arsenal move in jeopardy as Real Madrid make contact | OneFootball

Real Madrid have made contact with Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi ahead of a potential move this summer (h/t Marca).

Arsenal have been in talks to sign the Spaniard for several months. Despite reaching an agreement with Sociedad to trigger his €60 million release clause, they are yet to receive the green light from Zubimendi.

The 26-year-old has delayed his decision after hearing about Madrid’s interest, blowing the transfer race wide open.

Madrid’s new manager Xabi Alonso wants to sign a top-class midfielder in the summer window, with Zubimendi the handpicked target.

Zubimendi has grown into one of the best midfielders in La Liga after showing incredible consistency since breaking into the first team.

He was instrumental in La Real’s resurgence under former manager Imanol Alguacil, becoming regular European contenders and also winning the Copa del Rey in 2020.

Zubimendi was also part of the Spanish team that won the European Championship last year.

He scored his maiden goal for Spain during the Nations League final against Portugal last night, although they lost the game on penalties.

Alonso prefers to have a solid holding midfielder in his system, and Zubimendi fits the mould.

The La Real star is highly press-resistant, secure with possession, and can control the tempo of the game with ease.

His positional awareness also allows the rest of the central midfielders to move further up and influence the game.

He is not an aggressive midfielder, but relies on his good reading of the game and positioning to prevent counter-attacks and complete defensive actions.

Madrid have already strengthened their armoury with the additions of centre-back Dean Huijsen and right-back Trent-Alexander Arnold.

They are also on the verge of signing River Plate’s Argentine prodigy Franco Mastantuono.