Real Madrid plot smart move to land midfield target for less than his release clause | OneFootball

According to Real Madrid Confidencial, club president Florentino Perez is working behind the scenes to bring in Martin Zubimendi this summer, without triggering his full €60 million release clause.

With Xabi Alonso now in charge and Zubimendi viewed as a perfect fit for the new system, Madrid are ready to make one final push.

Zubimendi, currently at Real Sociedad, has long been admired by Madrid. However, the La Liga side continue to point toward his €60 million clause, which Los Blancos are not prepared to pay in full.

Instead, Perez and general director Jose Angel Sanchez are reportedly exploring a smarter strategy, which is to offer talented players from Real Madrid’s youth system, La Fabrica, to bring down the cost.

La Fabrica may hold the key

Real Madrid believe that including some of their promising youngsters in the deal could tempt Real Sociedad into negotiations.

Real Madrid are very much interested in signing Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Sociedad have a strong track record of developing talent, so the idea of receiving ready-made or developing players as part of a swap deal is likely to appeal to them, especially if they can benefit in the long term.

While Arsenal are said to be in the lead for Zubimendi, with a firm interest and willingness to pay more, Madrid remain confident.

The club’s leadership is convinced there is no better option on the market than Zubimendi, who offers the perfect balance between defensive discipline and composure on the ball.

Perez’s renewed effort comes after a period of internal doubt, as Arsenal’s strong pursuit and the high clause created a sense of pessimism.

However, Alonso’s insistence on Zubimendi being the ideal player to build his midfield around has pushed Madrid to make another attempt.