Xabi Alonso’s admiration for Martin Zubimendi is no secret, and with Arsenal yet to finalize a deal, Real Madrid’s allure could once again sway the midfielder’s future. The Spanish international, who turned down a £51 million move to Liverpool last summer to stay loyal to Real Sociedad, now seems ready for a new chapter.
At 26, Zubimendi has reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Arsenal, as confirmed by the ever-reliable Fabrizio Romano. Taking to X, Romano declared, “Arsenal agree deal to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, here we go! Zubimendi has now verbally agreed to sign a long-term deal… formal steps must follow soon with Arsenal to trigger €60m clause. Zubi, ready to become the first signing of the new season.”
With this deal seemingly in the bag, Arsenal’s sporting director, Andrea Berta, has shifted focus to bolstering other areas of the squad. Talks are reportedly at an advanced stage for Sporting’s prolific striker Viktor Gyokeres, while Chelsea’s Andrey Santos and Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams are also on Berta’s radar.
However, Berta might need to revisit his plans if Real Madrid decide to enter the fray. According to AS, Zubimendi remains a “fetish player” for Xabi Alonso, who recently took the helm at the Bernabeu. The report suggests that “Zubimendi is not yet lost” for Alonso, and with “nothing signed” between the midfielder and Arsenal, there’s still a window for Madrid to swoop in.
Zubimendi’s playing style, often likened to Alonso’s during his days at Liverpool and Real Madrid, makes him a perfect fit for the Spanish giants. The report adds, “There is still time for Alonso to intercede in the situation… his arrival at Madrid is still possible.”
“A sharp turn in the situation can happen again now, sources familiar with the situation point out to AS. Operation Zubimendi is latent. Everything arranged with Arsenal, but in the absence of the signature and the last fringes, which must be closed now with both leagues finished, the Spanish and the Premier League. That’s the time Madrid has to get into the operation. When this happens, few players resist it. And more considering that being led by Xabi in a whole Real Madrid can be attractive for the soccer player… In the next few hours, there will be a final outcome to this new soap opera that Martín is starring in after the one he lived with Liverpool last summer.”
As the transfer saga unfolds, football fans are left on the edge of their seats, wondering where Zubimendi’s future lies. Will Arsenal secure their man, or will Real Madrid’s charm prove irresistible once again?
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