Real Madrid's Martin Zubimendi transfer meeting ahead of Arsenal hijack

Arsenal expect to add Martin Zubimendi to their squad this summer but the Spain and Real Sociedad midfielder has also been eyed up by Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso

Arsenal's pursuit of Martin Zubimendi comes despite the best efforts of Xabi Alonso to convince his compatriot to join Real Madrid, it has been claimed. The Real Sociedad star's name is said to have come up in Alonso's first meeting with Madrid's top brass, only for Arsenal to seemingly win the race.

Spain international midfielder Zubimendi looked destined for a Liverpool switch in 2024, only to decide at the eleventh hour to stay at Real Sociedad. A move to the Premier League has merely been delayed, though, with Mikel Arteta poised to reunite the 26-year-old with former club team-mates Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard.

Alonso, who took over from Carlo Ancelotti at the Bernabeu, has already added to his squad with the additions of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen. He's due to miss out on Zubimendi, though, despite Marca's claims about the head coach's best effort.

The Spanish publication reports that Alonso mentioned Zubimendi's name to Madrid's sporting directors when he first spoke to them, only to be told the club was sufficiently stocked in midfield. Los Blancos should be able to bring Fede Valverde back into a regular midfield role next season after he was forced to deputise at right-back last term, with Alexander-Arnold brought in with a view to starting regularly in defence.

Aurelien Tchouameni and Jude Bellingham started with Valverde in a midfield three against Al Hilal in the Club World Cup on Wednesday. Luka Modrid also entered the fray late on, but the veteran is due to leave Madrid at the end of the tournament.

Alonso's failure to land the midfield organiser he wanted is good news for Arsenal. The Gunners are prepared to meet Zubimendi's release clause, though the player himself is in no rush to sort out his future.

"Of course there are options, but it’s true that it seems like it’s going to be a different, long summer, and I don’t know how it will end," he said in early June. "I don’t think thinking about it right now is my priority. I’m here with the national team, which I think is already quite demanding, and if I have to say something, then I will."

Alonso was asked about Alexander-Arnold and Huijsen after the pair made their first starts in the Club World Cup. The new manager wasn't able to make a winning start, with Al Hilal keeper Bono saving Valverde's late pnalty in a 1-1 draaw.

“First I'd like to congratulate them, because this is a big day for them," Alonso said of Alexander-Arnold and Huijsen. "Making a Real Madrid debut will surely have an impact on them. I'm thrilled because they have that personality and they'll be important players for us. Having them here will give us added quality."