Arsenal Shocked as Real Madrid Overtake in Transfer Pursuit | OneFootball

Arsenal’s Midfield Plans Shaken by Real Madrid’s Zubimendi Move

In football’s long shadow games, it’s often the quiet conversations behind the scenes that truly shape the future. Arsenal may be feeling that sting now, as their long-standing pursuit of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi appears to have been overtaken by Real Madrid’s more persuasive pull.

Private Talks Shift Transfer Momentum

The Gunners had, for months, felt confident. Back in March, David Ornstein revealed that the Gunners were “expecting” the Real Sociedad midfielder to join them in the summer. The feeling at London Colney was clear: Zubimendi would be one of the final pieces in Mikel Arteta’s evolving puzzle.

Yet the tone has changed dramatically. According to journalist Santi Aouna, Zubimendi is ‘prioritising’ a move to Real Madrid in the summer. This development follows direct conversations between the player and representatives from the Spanish capital. Los Blancos are said to be ‘very interested’ and have ‘personally explained’ their plans to the midfielder.

For Arsenal, this will be a deeply unwelcome twist in a saga that had once seemed firmly in their favour.

Zubimendi’s Decision Surprises Observers

What makes this shift all the more remarkable is its suddenness. Even Ornstein, who earlier reported Arsenal’s front-running position, noted that he “had not heard Real could sign the midfielder.” That kind of surprise seldom occurs at this level of the game, where insider knowledge often dictates transfer tempo.

If Zubimendi now sees his future at the Bernabéu, Arsenal are left scrambling. The report suggests that “it’s not clear whether Arsenal will be able to push back and get themselves back in the lead,” hinting at a player already swayed by Madrid’s project.

Real’s interest has long existed, but this is the first clear sign that the power of their badge, their trophies, and their project under Carlo Ancelotti has turned a head long believed to be bound for North London.

Defensive Concerns Grow at Emirates

As if midfield complications weren’t enough, Arsenal are also grappling with emerging uncertainties at centre-back. The club has reportedly been “hugely impressed” with Brentford centre-back Nathan Collins and has begun exploring a potential deal.

It’s a sensible scouting move. Collins has won more aerial duels in the Premier League than almost any player this season – a staggering achievement only bettered by Newcastle’s Dan Burn and Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk.

This interest is not isolated. It follows reports suggesting Arsenal may entertain the idea of letting William Saliba depart – but only if Real Madrid offer both Endrick and Arda Guler in return. That is, understandably, seen as an unrealistic swap, and Arsenal would rather see Saliba stay until 2027, with Real potentially aiming to sign him on a free.

Madrid’s Shadow Over Arsenal’s Summer

All of this paints an unsettling picture for Arsenal as they approach a pivotal summer. Real Madrid, long the standard-bearers of elite recruitment, have clearly reasserted themselves in a transfer market that Arsenal had hoped to navigate with greater control.

Zubimendi’s lean towards Madrid is not just a blow to midfield plans, but a reminder of the enduring pull of the white shirt. If Arsenal can’t pivot, or persuade, quickly, their ambitions for the 2024-25 season may start to feel slightly more fragile.