Real Madrid could hijack Arsenal’s move to sign £51m La Liga star | OneFootball

Arsenal Face Real Madrid Competition for Zubimendi in Evolving Transfer Battle

Real Madrid Interest Sparks Tension in Arsenal’s Midfield Plans

Arsenal’s long-standing pursuit of Martin Zubimendi may be entering more complicated territory, with The Standard reporting renewed interest from Real Madrid. The Gunners had been confident of concluding a deal for the Real Sociedad midfielder, who has a £50 million release clause, during the January transfer window — and still see themselves in a strong position ahead of the summer.

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However, reports emerging from Spain, initially via AS and subsequently echoed by COPE, suggest that Madrid are now considering a move for the 25-year-old as they look for a successor to Toni Kroos.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Vitinha has been mentioned as an alternative, but it is Zubimendi who is reportedly top of their list. According to AS, “The biggest difficulty for Madrid is that Arsenal is well advanced in the deal and is willing to pay the €60m buyout clause.”

Arteta’s Midfield Rebuild Hinges on Zubimendi Profile

Arsenal’s interest in Zubimendi stems from their desire to revitalise a midfield likely to lose both Jorginho and Thomas Partey at the end of the season. Both are over 30 and out of contract, and the club is looking for a long-term presence to anchor the base of midfield.

Photo: IMAGO

Zubimendi — often referred to as the “Gen-Z Sergio Busquets” — fits the mould. A composed operator in possession, tactically astute and press-resistant, he is the type of player Mikel Arteta sees as central to maintaining control in big matches.

Sources close to the situation suggest Arsenal have already laid significant groundwork. The club’s willingness to trigger his release clause signals intent, and there remains optimism in north London that Zubimendi prefers a Premier League move at this stage of his career.

Alonso Factor Could Complicate Matters

The Xabi Alonso connection could shift the dynamic. The Bayer Leverkusen manager has been strongly linked with replacing Carlo Ancelotti at Madrid, especially if the Italian accepts an offer to coach Brazil. Alonso previously managed Zubimendi at Real Sociedad B and maintains a close personal relationship with the midfielder.

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Should Alonso take the Madrid job, COPE believe Zubimendi could be tempted. They claim the release clause “is not an issue” for Madrid and that the decision now rests solely with the player.

Transfer Race Still in Arsenal’s Hands — For Now

Despite Madrid’s presence in the background, The Standard state that Arsenal remain frontrunners and are advancing well behind the scenes. There is no suggestion that a deal is off, and with no official offer yet from Madrid, the situation appears fluid rather than lost.

Edu and Arteta have been meticulous in targeting Zubimendi — a player seen as ideal for the club’s long-term spine — and will hope their early work pays off before Madrid accelerate their interest.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For an Arsenal supporter, it’s hard not to feel a pang of déjà vu when reading this. they’ve seen this movie before — a promising, strategic pursuit for a top target, only for a superclub to swoop in late. Real Madrid’s interest in Martin Zubimendi isn’t just inconvenient; it’s threatening to undo months of groundwork, and we all know how quickly power shifts when clubs like Madrid are involved.

Zubimendi isn’t just another body in midfield — he’s the missing link in a side that’s crying out for a long-term No.6. With Partey unreliable due to injuries and Jorginho likely to move on, Arsenal need someone who can dictate tempo, shield the defence, and offer technical security under pressure. That’s Zubimendi to a tee.

What makes this more unsettling is the Alonso connection. It’s not just Real Madrid circling — it’s potentially a Real Madrid managed by a former mentor. If Alonso takes the job, the emotional pull might outweigh any plans Arsenal have laid out.

The club must act swiftly. If they want to convince top-tier talent like Zubimendi that they’re serious, Arsenal can’t afford to drag this into a public transfer saga. Pay the clause. Close the deal. Send the message that Arsenal get business done — even when giants come knocking.