Arsenal 'concerned over Martin Zubimendi deal amid Real Madrid interest'

Arsenal are reportedly concerned Real Madrid could hijack their deal to sign Real Sociedad and Spain star Martin Zubimendi this summer.

The Gunners have been heavily linked with a move for Zubimendi, who has a release clause of £51million.

Recent reports claimed Zubimendi could undergo an Arsenal medical with all payment structures claimed to have been agreed.

According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Real Madrid have now entered the race to sign Zubimendi.

The Spanish giants reportedly contacted Zubimendi's entourage to determine whether he had finalised a deal with Arsenal, which is camp are claimed to have denied.

It is claimed Real Madrid's call has 'changed everything', with Zubimendi now aware of the possibility of joining the club.

Real Madrid are now said to be considering an approach to Real Sociedad and had a desire to sign Arsenal's summer target.

Zubimendi had spoken out about his future last week, ahead of Spain's Nations League matches.

The 26-year-old midfielder admitted he faces a 'long summer' amid the speculation around his future.

Zubimendi also labelled Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso as his 'idol', even before working with the former midfielder when he coached Real Sociedad's B-team.

'Of course there are options, but it's true that it looks like it's going to be a different, long summer, and I don't know how it's going to end.

'I don't think thinking about that 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, I'll do it.

'I've always said he was my idol and that it was a stroke of luck for me that he was able to coach me in the reserve team during a very important year.

'The following season, I made it into the first team, and, well, I don't like to talk about those hypotheticals, I prefer to talk about the present.'

A product of Sociedad's youth system, Zubimendi has gone on to play 236 times for the club, while he has represented Spain on 17 occasions.

He has long been regarded as one of the best midfielders in LaLiga and last summer was close to joining Liverpool, who came in for him after he helped Spain to win Euro 2024.

However, Zubimendi ultimately decided to stay at Sociedad after his boyhood club attempted to change his mind.

Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay last week expressed hope Zubimendi could still decide to stay at the club.

'Zubimendi is the only player we've spoken to,' he told reporters. 'Clubs have asked us, but no player has told us they want to leave.

'We've told Martin to go to the national team calmly, to think about it, and we'd like him to stay.

'We know there are several options. Something may come to fruition or not... I don't see it happening in the short term. We don't see it that way, so we have to wait and see.'

Zubimendi scored in the Nations League final on Sunday as Spain drew 2-2 with Portugal, but suffered defeat in a penalty shoot-out.