Zubimendi Arsenal transfer twist as phone call 'changes everything' about move

Mikel Arteta will need more quality options in midfield at Arsenal with Jorginho departing and Thomas Partey looking likely to leave too, but the Gunners have been kept waiting on a move for Martin Zubimendi

Arsenal are sweating on a move for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi after Real Madrid stepped up their interest in the Spain international, according to reports. Zubimendi has been strongly linked with a move to the Emirates and it was thought a deal was practically agreed ahead of the summer transfer window.

But the transfer is yet to be officially announced, with Arsenal still waiting on the player to decide his future as Mikel Arteta looks to secure more quality in the middle of the park. Jorginho is already confirmed to be leaving while Thomas Partey's contract expires later this month.

According to Marca, a deal for Zubimendi has become more complicated after Madrid joined the chase for the player, with "real interest" from Xabi Alonso's side as they bid to replace the outgoing Luka Modric.

Zubimendi has been lauded for his superb displays that helped Spain win Euro 2024 while also shining for Sociedad in La Liga. He started 33 games in the top division, scoring two and assisting one.

On Sunday, he impressed for Luis de la Fuente's side again in the Nations League final against Portugal and scored the opening goal, despite ending up on the losing side.

Zubimendi will now be eager to sort out his future, which remains up in the air despite appearing destined for Arsenal. The report from Marca claims he received a phone call from Madrid that has "changed everything".

Madrid will play in the Club World Cup this summer and Alonso is looking to bolster his side ahead of the new-look tournament. Real have already paid £10m to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool just to have him available for the competition, but there is no chance for Madrid to sign Zubimendi in time to play in the US, the report goes on to say.

However, Madrid are weighing up their next move over the 26-year-old, with "all options open" as club officials aim to give Alonso the best chance of reclaiming the La Liga title after a trophyless season.

Last week, Zubimendi spoke out about his future and shed doubt on the possibility of leaving Sociedad and admitted he was unsure where he would end up this summer.

"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.

"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."

Commenting on constant speculation he had already agreed to leave Sociedad, he added: “It’s an example of what surrounds football. Many times I wake up in the morning and read things that I didn’t know I had done. That was a clear example."