La Liga champions Real Madrid have reportedly overtaken Arsenal in the race to sign 26-year-old Spanish international Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad this summer.
According to a report by Spanish outlet COPE, Martin Zubimendi is the subject of interest from Arsenal. However, the Gunners have fallen behind Real Madrid in the race to secure the Real Sociedad midfielder’s services in the summer transfer window. The reigning La Liga champions have accelerated their move for the Spanish international.
Meanwhile, a report by Graeme Bailey on TBR Football has also confirmed Real Madrid ramping up the move for the Spaniard. However, Zubimendi has yet to decide on his next destination. While coughing up €60 million to sign the UEFA Euro 2024 winner is not an issue for Arsenal, convincing him to move to the Emirates is the obstacle in front of the North London club.
Martin Zubimendi and his career so far
Martin Zubimendi has seen his stock skyrocket in the last few seasons. The 26-year-old was not a teenage sensation and had to wait until he turned 20 to establish a foothold in the first-team squad at Real Sociedad. However, he has become a mainstay in the middle of the park for La Real since making his senior bow.
The Spanish international has also grown in stature in international football. Meanwhile, he has turned out over 200 times thus far for Real Sociedad while chipping in with ten goals and nine assists. Zubimendi’s progress has piqued the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe, with Arsenal and Real Madrid among the prospective suitors vying for his signature heading into the summer transfer window.
A man in demand
Arsenal’s interest in Martin Zubimendi is understandable. The Gunners are scouring the market for a midfielder heading into the summer transfer window amid uncertainties surrounding the long-term futures of Thomas Partey and Jorginho. So, the Real Sociedad midfielder has emerged as a viable target for Arsenal.
As for Real Madrid, Toni Kroos has left a gaping hole in the midfield unit at the Santiago Bernabeu. In addition, Luka Modric is in the twilight of his career and might hang up his boots anytime in the coming 15 months. So, Zubimendi is an option worth considering, with Real Madrid accelerating the move for the 26-year-old Spaniard.
It is unclear if the reigning La Liga champions are ready to cough up €60 million to sign the UEFA Euro 2024 winner. However, the Merengues have overtaken Arsenal in the chase, and it will be interesting to see if the Gunners can beat Real Madrid to the Spanish midfielder’s signature.
