Arteta suffers new transfer blow as rivals look to hijack £51m Arsenal deal

Arsenal have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Martin Zubimendi, with Real Madrid now eyeing a summer swoop for the midfielder.

Zubimendi was heavily linked with a move to Liverpool last year, but ultimately decided to stay at Real Sociedad. However, Arsenal were also interested in the 26-year-old and reports have claimed that the Gunners are poised to sign Zubimendi in the summer.

According to the Mail, Arsenal are ready to trigger Zubimendi's £51million release clause with talks over the deal at an 'advanced stage'. The report added that Arsenal 'accelerated their interest' due to uncertainty over the futures of Thomas Partey and Jorginho, who are both out of contract at the end of the season.

However, it has now emerged that Madrid could scupper the deal, with the Athletic reporting that there are 'increasing discussions' over a move for Zubimendi taking place at the Bernabeu.

Madrid are hoping to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer from Liverpool and the report states that they are also in the market for a centre-back, along with a potential move for Zubimendi.

The Spain international was quizzed about his future back in November, insisting: "There will always be rumours and now that January is approaching, there will be too, but I don't waste energy on outside noise. I'm happy with the way I'm handling it and I'm going to handle it."

Arsenal are also expected to try and sign a new forward, having failed to do so in the January transfer window after moves for the likes of Ollie Watkins and Mathys Tel proved unsuccessful.

Mikel Arteta was keen to bring in attacking reinforcements after both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus suffered serious injuries and they suffered another blow earlier this week when Gabriel Martinelli limped off as they crashed out of the Carabao Cup against Newcastle.

Arteta has since confirmed that Martinelli has suffered a hamstring injury, but the extent of the damage is unknown. "He felt something, I think it was his hamstring and he wasn't comfortable to continue. So we will have to have any MRI scan tomorrow to see the extent of the injury," he said.

Arsenal will be back in action on Saturday when they host a struggling Leicester side at the Emirates. The Gunners will be keen to get back to winning ways after their defeat to Newcastle, with Liverpool six points above them in title race with a game in hand.