Xabi Alonso may put Arsenal's first summer transfer in jeopardy

Arsenal have lined up a summer swoop for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, but Real Madrid could make a move for the Spain international if Xabi Alonso takes over

Real Madrid could hijack Arsenal's move for Martin Zubimendi if Xabi Alonso becomes their new manager. Carlo Ancelotti is expected to leave Los Blancos after they crashed out of the Champions League to Arsenal earlier this month.

Alonso is understood to be Florentino Perez's No.1 choice as replacement for Ancelotti, having guided Bayer Leverkusen to their first ever Bundesliga title last season and starred for Madrid as a player between 2009 and 2014.

Arsenal are said to be confident that they will win the race for Zubimendi, who has a £52million release clause in his contract with Real Sociedad, as first reported by ESPN. But if he moves to the Bernabeu, Alonso could push for Madrid to try and hijack the move.

Alonso is believed to be a big fan of Zubimendi and Madrid are looking to strengthen their midfield options, having failed to replace Toni Kroos after he announced his retirement following Euro 2024.

They have also continued to rely heavily on 39-year-old Luka Modric, who has made 50 appearances for the club this season. Only fellow midfielder Federico Valverde has been used more by Ancelotti.

Liverpool did attempt to sign Zubimendi last summer, but the 26-year-old ultimately decided to remain at Sociedad.

"I went on vacation, and it caught me by surprise," Zubimendi told El Diario Vasco when asked about his decision to stay at Sociedad. "It wasn't something I had planned. I reacted when the situation arose. It was an uncomfortable time for me but I weighed the pros and cons and concluded that the best option was to stay.

"I don't believe in 'once-in-a-lifetime' opportunities. If you're good and want to achieve something, it will come to you. There's no need to rush.

"I looked at my personal progression, who I am, and the club's project. I stayed because I knew this season would be important for me in the team, and I still had steps to take.

"It wasn't that hard of a decision. There were many reasons for my decision, but I was selfish and thought about what was best for me – and that was staying.

"My philosophy is to do what I feel at all times. So far, things have gone well for me. It is true that there was a lot of noise. I went through uncomfortable moments.

"The best thing for me was to stay here and I am happy and at peace. There is a lot of noise because of the press but in the end everything is easier than all that. Of course I don't regret it, I can't think that after four or five games at the start of the season.

"I made my decision from within, I thought it was the best thing to do, the results don't affect me. I see potential in this team, you just have to watch us train and I'm excited about having a good season."