TBR Football can exclusively confirm what Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi has made of the interest shown in him by Real Madrid.
Arsenal are desperate to sign Zubimendi this summer as a replacement for the likes of Jorginho and Thomas Partey, who will soon be out of contract.
It has been reported that talks between Arsenal and Zubimendi’s camp are at a “very advanced stage” and some at the club are apparently convinced he will join.
However, Real Madrid are just as eager to get their hands on the Real Sociedad star, and his stance may just be changing.
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Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi considering his options amid Real Madrid interest
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey understands that Real Madrid have stepped up talks with Martin Zubimendi’s camp.
And sources with knowledge of the situation have told TBR Football that Zubimendi is now considering his options.
Los Blancos are making it clear they want Zubimendi at the Santiago Bernabeu next summer in a move that will rock Arsenal.
Arsenal opened talks to seal a summer deal with Zubimendi and Real Sociedad in January in a deal which would be worth around €60million (£50million) – but the value isn’t the issue, it is persuading him to move.
He shunned both Liverpool and Arsenal the summer before, but has since made it clear through his representatives he was ready to move.
Arsenal’s soon to be new sporting director Andrea Berta has confirmed during his talks that he believed a move for Zubimendi was the right one and he was on board with their efforts, which have continued in recent weeks.
However, we can now confirm Real have also made fresh moves for a player they have long held in high regard, and Zubimendi is mulling over his options.
With Toni Kroos leaving last summer and Luka Modric about to hang up his boots, Real are understood to see Zubimendi as a key summer signing.
Real, who have already secured terms with Trent Alexander-Arnold, are also after a central defender.
Arsenal are aware of the interest from Real, and is something they did know about and was believed to be one of the key reasons they tried to get him tied down early.
What Martin Zubimendi could bring to Arsenal
Zubimendi would be a wonderful addition to the Arsenal ranks and, with the likes of Partey and Jorginho set to leave, a much-needed one too.
Goal.com recently noted how Zubimendi has earned comparisons with Barcelona and Spain icon Sergio Busquets.
They wrote: ‘His distribution from deep areas is near-unmatched in Spanish football.
‘The midfielder can often be found dropping between centre-backs before picking a forward pass either into La Real’s more advanced midfielders or wingers.
‘But he can also play sideways when needs be, speeding up or slowing down the game from deep.
‘He’s reliable without the ball, too. Although La Real are a relatively compact side who prefer to control the game rather than open it up, Zubimendi is excellent at controlling space and putting out fires.
‘While not full of pace, his tackling ability and reading of the game make him a valuable shielding presence who can ensure things remain steady in front of the backline.’
