Two reasons Arsenal could MISS OUT on £51m Zubimendi transfer as Real make move

Arsenal have an agreement to sign Spain international Martini Zubimendi but a deal is not yet over the line for the midfielder who is drawing late interest from Real Madrid this summer

Arsenal are all geared up to sign Martin Zubimendi - but may still have reason to sweat over his decision. The Gunners are primed to secure a £51million move, although a medical is still required.

It would not be the first time a transfer had looked all sewn up for the Spain international after Liverpool thought they would see Zubimendi arrive as Arne Slot's first signing. But on that occasion, the player decided he preferred to remain with Real Sociedad rather than make the move to Anfield.

While Mikel Arteta's side have an agreement over payments to Sociedad, in a familiar scenario, Zubimendi himself has suggested his future is not resolved. Asked whether he could yet remain with his hometown club, the 26-year-old noted he did not know where his future would lie.

"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 told Radio Nacional.

"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, then I will."

Real Madrid have not given up on signing Zubimendi themselves however. New Los Blancos boss Xabi Alonso is even said to have made the player his primary target according to reports in Spain.

And that could prove pivotal with it also claimed that Zubimendi would prefer to remain in Spain if he is to leave Anoeta Stadium. AS claim Zubimendi is ‘attracted’ to the idea of playing for Real Madrid under Alonso.

The former Liverpool and Bayern Munich star previously coached Real Sociedad B. During that time, Zubimendi player under the Basque-born coach.

If Zubimendi indicates that he is willing to turn down Arsenal in favour of a move to Real Madrid, the La Liga runners-up will attempt to negotiate a deal worth less than his £51m buy-out clause. Zubimendi's contract runs until 2027.

The Spanish giants are not said to be willing to match the offer Zubimendi received from Arsenal either. The north London club are said to have offered a deal worth around £8m-per-year.