Arsenal may reportedly have to fend off competition from Real Madrid to win the race for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi this summer.
After Liverpool tried and failed to bring the Euro 2024 winner to Anfield last summer, the Gunners are allegedly poised to secure his signature in a £51m deal when the next window opens.
Zubimendi rejected the chance to join Liverpool in 2024 in favour of staying in San Sebastian, but the esteemed midfielder now seemingly feels that it is the right time to make the move to England.
Mikel Arteta is said to have been driving the effort to bring Zubimendi to the Emirates, and while nothing has been signed yet, there is a 'good chance' that he will be an Arsenal player next season.
However, while the midfielder is yet to sign on the dotted line, the Gunners remain vulnerable to a hijack, and The Athletic claims that Zubimendi is now the topic of 'increasing discussions' at Real Madrid.
Real Madrid stepping up interest in Zubimendi?
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Los Blancos would also be free to negotiate with the player if they meet his £51m release clause in his Real Sociedad contract, and there is said to be a growing interest from Bernabeu chiefs.
Nevertheless, Arsenal remain one step ahead of the Champions League holders, having laid out the groundwork for a deal for some time, and it is unclear if Real Madrid will firm up their interest with an official bid.
Whether Liverpool or Manchester City also go back in for Zubimendi remains to be seen too, but Barcelona's volatile financial situation should rule them out of contention for the 26-year-old.
Zubimendi has registered one goal and two assists in 29 appearances for Real Sociedad this season, bringing his overall total to nine goals and nine assists from 217 matches in all tournaments.
The Spain international's contract runs for another two-and-a-half seasons, but Real Sociedad will be powerless if an interested party triggers his affordable release clause.
Should Arsenal be worried about possible Zubimendi hijack?
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Real Madrid's interest in Zubimendi should not come as a complete shock - Los Blancos will always be running the rule over each and every one of Europe's most prized assets - but their priorities for the summer lie elsewhere.
Carlo Ancelotti's side are still hopeful of signing Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer this summer, and the European champions are also pursuing deals for a new left-back and centre-back.
Serious injuries to David Alaba and Eder Militao have forced Aurelien Tchouameni to deputise at centre-back on several occasions, but with a new face in the ranks, the Frenchman could return to his preferred midfield role.
In that scenario, Real Madrid would not have as great a need to go all out for Zubimendi, whereas Arsenal are planning for the likely departures of Thomas Partey and Jorginho at the end of the season.
Given Declan Rice's effectiveness in the left eight role, replacing Partey with a competent number six will be of the utmost importance for Arsenal, who should not be too worried about the presence of Real Madrid.
Ben Knapton
