Real Madrid have reportedly joined the race for one of Europe's most in-demand midfielders ahead of the January transfer window.
Los Blancos have been tipped to bolster their midfield options ever since Toni Kroos announced his retirement from football last summer.
Carlo Ancelotti currently has Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, Luka Modric, Aurelien Tchouameni, Arda Guler and Dani Ceballos at his disposal, although the latter three midfielders have been linked with a potential exit.
While both Tchouamni and Guler have been the subjects of interest from clubs in the Premier League, Ceballos is believed to be wanted by former club Real Betis.
A number of midfielders have been linked with a potential move to the Santiago Bernabeu in recent months, including Manchester City's Ballon d'Or winner Rodri, who recently opened the door to a future move to Real Madrid.
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Real Madrid to rival PL trio for Zubimendi?
However, according to Marca, Real Madrid 'have not thought about Rodri' and are instead keeping tabs on a number of other targets, including Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi who has been heavily linked with Liverpool, Man City and Arsenal.
Earlier this month, it was reported that Pep Guardiola's side are going to give Real Sociedad 'a long and hard winter' in their pursuit of Zubimendi, who turned down a summer transfer to Liverpool.
Arne Slot's team are said to still hold an interest in the 25-year-old, while Mikel Arteta's Arsenal are also monitoring his situation.
Marca, however, states that Los Blancos are now watching Zubimendi and they are aware that they will be required to activate the player's €60m (£50.1m) release clause if they wish to lure him to the Spanish capital.
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It is also claimed that Ryan Gravenberch, Declan Rice, Jorginho, Bruno Guimaraes, Granit Xhaka, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Konrad Laimer and Joshua Kimmich are among some of the players who have caught the eye of Real Madrid, but none of those have impressed them as much as Zubimendi.
Meanwhile, a separate report from El Chiringuito, via DailySports, claims that Zubimendi is now keen to leave Real Sociedad, but he would prefer to remain in Spain, as a move to Real Madrid is more appealing to him than a switch to the Premier League.
Why is Zubimendi is demand?
Zubimendi has developed into one of the most valued deep-lying midfielders in Europe during his time with boyhood club Real Sociedad, where he has spent his entire career since joining their academy back in 2011.
The San Sebastian-born star has made a total of 205 first-team appearances for Real Sociedad in all competitions, including in 31 La Liga outings for Imanol Alguacil's side as they finished sixth in the Spanish top flight last season.
Zubimendi also made four appearances in Spain's triumphant Euro 2024 campaign last summer, and has since played in all 14 La Liga matches for Real Sociedad this term.
The 15-cap Spain international, who is under contract at the Reale Arena until June 2027, recently addressed speculation regarding a possible move to England.
Oliver Thomas
