Arsenal chiefs delivered exciting transfer update to Real during private meeting

Arsenal are looking to complete the signing of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi this summer, despite reported interest in the Spain international from Real Madrid

Arsenal have reportedly told Real Madrid that Martin Zubimend's summer transfer is almost completed. Zubimendi has a £51million release clause in his contract and Arsenal have already laid the groundwork for a deal to be completed.

Mikel Arteta is a huge admirer of the midfielder, but Madrid were waiting in the wings and considering an attempt to hijack the transfer. However, Arsenal appear to have sent a warning to Madrid over the deal.

According to a report from Cadena SER, Arsenal told Madrid at a board meeting before the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash that they have 'practically finalised' the signing of Zubimendi.

The report adds that a number of Madrid's other transfer targets are also being eyed by Premier League clubs, including the likes of Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia and Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Florian Wirtz.

Madrid have endured a disappointing campaign so far, getting knocked out of the Champions League by Arsenal and losing the Copa del Rey final to Barcelona. They also currently sit second in LaLiga, four points behind Barcelona with five games left to play.

As a result, Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti is expected to leave the club and he is being lined up to become the new Brazil manager. However, when quizzed about the rumours ahead of the Copa del Rey final, Ancelotti said: "I love being here [at Madrid] and I hope this will last as long as possible.

"The honeymoon continues. I'm very happy, contented. There is a lot of pressure, true, but that is always the case at this point of the season. I'm happy with the club, they know this has been a tough season. Stress is fuel – it doesn't bother me, it gives me more energy."

Former Madrid player Xabi Alonso is the favourite to replace Ancelotti, having memorably guided Leverkusen to their first ever Bundesliga title last season. And Leverkusen chief Fernando Carro spoke out about Alonso's future earlier this month.

When asked if Alonso has a release clause, Carro said: "No, but we have a gentlemen's agreement. If a team he has played for comes, we will sit down and talk and we won't put obstacles in his way.

"He's played for Bayern, Liverpool, Real Madrid and Real Sociedad... maybe Real Sociedad will come! Last year during the international break he assured us that he would stay with us, despite having offers from other teams.

"This international break, at the end of March, we sat down to talk and we have given ourselves some time to decide if he will stay with us until next year. We are very calm because we have an excellent relationship.

"Undoubtedly I would prefer Madrid to win all the competitions in which they participate because then there would not be these discussions, but they can still win the league as well as the cup!"