Arsenal have been driving hard to sign Real Sociedad breakout star Martin Zubimendi ever since he emerged on everyone’s radar as one of the best No. 6’s in European football last season.
They even signed one of his best teammates in the summer 2024 transfer window, bringing Mikel Merino on board to pair with Declan Rice at the base of the midfield.
But Arsenal still want Zubimendi. The problem is that Liverpool and Barcelona aren’t the only formidable adversaries interested in the Spanish international on the transfer market, as Real Madrid are now pushing hard to sign the La Real standout.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein recently clarified the rumors stating that Real Madrid are now favored over Arsenal in the transfer battle. Via Madrid Xtra, Ornstein said that he has not heard of Real Madrid being favored over Arsenal.
He added that Arsenal still expect Zubimendi to join them this summer, and while a deal is not completely done, the Gunners believe that because they have put in so much work over a long period of time, Zubi will be theirs this year.
Zubimendi is a rare talent with his ability to read the game defensively, create from deep, and keep the tempo. Even though Arsenal have Rice, it speaks volumes to Zubimendi’s talent that they still want him.
Meanwhile, you can understand the increased urgency from Real Madrid, because after losing Toni Kroos to retirement last year, the Merengue club is simply not the same without the conductor to their orchestra.
Joe Soriano covers West Ham for Green Street Hammers and writes about Real Madrid for The Real Champs. He has extensive experience covering world football since 2014. Joe is an editor for The Trivela Effect, where he covers the biggest clubs in European football. He has watched professional sports regularly since 2002 and can be found playing the same sports he covers with his friends.