Arsenal Face Uncertainty Over £51m Martin Zubimendi Transfer

Arsenal are close to signing Spain’s Martin Zubimendi for £51 million, pending a medical. However, Real Madrid, led by new coach Xabi Alonso, remains interested and could challenge the deal. Zubimendi, who plays for Real Sociedad until 2027, has not confirmed his future and may prefer staying in Spain, complicating Arsenal’s plans.

With the summer transfer window underway, Arsenal are poised to sign Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad for around £51 million, but the deal is not yet finalized. Despite an agreement between the clubs on the transfer fee, Zubimendi’s future remains uncertain as he has yet to complete a medical and has hinted that he may still stay with Real Sociedad. The 26-year-old recently told Radio Nacional that he isn’t focused on transfer speculation, emphasizing his commitment to the national team and leaving his next move unclear.

Adding complexity to Arsenal’s pursuit, Real Madrid have entered the race for Zubimendi. Under new manager Xabi Alonso, who previously coached Zubimendi at Real Sociedad B, the Spanish giants view the midfielder as a key target. Although Real Madrid may negotiate a fee below his £51 million release clause, they reportedly won’t match Arsenal’s wage offer of approximately £8 million per year. Zubimendi is reportedly attracted to the idea of joining Real Madrid and continuing his career in Spain rather than moving abroad.

This scenario echoes a previous episode when Liverpool believed they had secured Zubimendi, only for him to choose to stay at Real Sociedad. Arsenal must now wait and see if their £51 million bid and lucrative offer will be enough to convince the midfielder to join Mikel Arteta’s squad, or if Real Madrid will come in for the prized midfielder.