According to reports, Arsenal is certain they have landed Martin Zubimendi, but Andrea Berti, the new sporting director, will have to fend off Real Madrid.
The Mirror claims that Arsenal is certain they have a plan in place to acquire Real Sociedad’s Zubimendi this summer. With a £51 million ($66 million) release clause, the Spain international has been a target for the Gunners for the last 18 months. Despite having been in negotiations since last summer, they have given incoming sporting director Berti the responsibility of finalizing the deal.
Madrid might decide to step in and possibly turn the midfielder’s head, according to the report, but the Gunners are still certain that he will end up at the Emirates because of the amount of work they have already done. Given that Carlo Ancelotti is wanted by Brazil and that Xabi Alonso, who previously managed Zubimendi while leading Sociedad’s B team, could be hired, Madrid’s managerial situation is uncertain.
The 26-year-old has made 227 appearances overall for Sociedad and has earned 15 caps for Spain. Although his contract is set to expire in 2027, he may be leaving this summer according to his release clause.
Arsenal will likely continue working on their deal for Zubimendi until the summer. They face Fulham in the Premier League on Tuesday.