Real Madrid are reportedly considering making a move for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi during this summer's transfer window despite suggestions that Arsenal have already reached an agreement over a deal.
Zubimendi famously turned down the chance to join Liverpool from Real Sociedad last year, and he has again been a vital player for his Basque club during the 2024-25 campaign, making 38 appearances in all competitions, contributing two goals and two assists.
The Euro 2024 winner has a contract with Real Sociedad until June 2027, but it is understood that his deal includes a €60m (£51m) release clause, which is highly likely to be activated during the summer transfer window.
Earlier this year, it was claimed that Arsenal had already come to an agreement over a deal for the midfielder this summer.
However, according to AS, Real Madrid are keen to secure his signature, with Los Blancos working to reduce the average age of their squad, and 26-year-old Zubimendi is viewed as an ideal acquisition.
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Real Madrid 'considering summer move' for Zubimendi
Zubimendi has spent his entire career with Real Sociedad, progressing through the various youth teams at the club before making his senior debut in 2019.
The midfielder has played 226 times for La Real, scoring 10 times and registering nine assists in the process, while he helped Spain win last summer's European Championship to further enhance his reputation.
Real Madrid are well-stocked in central midfield, with Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Dani Ceballos, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga and Luka Modric all options for head coach Carlo Ancelotti.
However, Modric only has a contract with the Spanish giants until the end of June, while there is currently speculation surrounding the futures of both Tchouameni and Camavinga.
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Which club will win the race for Zubimendi's signature?
Unless Arsenal dramatically collapse in the latter stages of the campaign, then the Gunners will be able to offer Champions League football next term, and he would also be in line for a generous pay rise if he made the move to the Emirates Stadium.
However, Real Madrid are an incredibly difficult club to turn down, and it is tough to imagine Zubimendi rejecting Los Blancos if he is given the choice of which team to join during the summer market.
That said, Ancelotti's side allegedly do not view Zubimendi as a priority at this stage, with the club instead looking to secure deals for Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold and Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen, which could give Arsenal a huge advantage.
Indeed, the Gunners are believed to consider Zubimendi as a leading target, and the fact that Real Madrid have their mind elsewhere could give Arsenal the opportunity to secure a deal ahead of the opening of the summer market.
Matt Law
