La Liga midfielder stalls Arsenal move as Real Madrid make contact – report | OneFootball

Real Sociedad and Spain star Martin Zubimendi has emerged as a serious target for Real Madrid to strengthen their midfield department this summer.

The midfielder, who scored for Spain last night in their UEFA Nations League final loss to Portugal, is seen as the ideal fit to reinforce the squad in the centre of the park by the Merengues.

However, for a while now, it has been suggested that Zubimendi will be signing for Arsenal, with the Gunners having been working on his signing for months now.

Zubimendi hits pause on Arsenal move as Real Madrid approach

However, according to MARCA, Arsenal continue to wait for a definitive answer from Zubimendi. The Real Sociedad midfielder has yet to give a firm ‘yes’, and concern is beginning to grow at the Emirates.

Everything seemed settled, but the situation has shifted in recent hours following Real Madrid’s entry into the picture.

There is genuine interest from the club, with both technical staff and senior officials at Valdebebas showing a desire to bring in the Spaniard.

Real Madrid making a move for Zubimendi. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

As such, Real Madrid have made contact with the player’s camp to ask whether a decision or commitment has already been made. That confirmation has not yet come. Now, the next step will be for the club to formally approach Real Sociedad.

Both Zubimendi and Sociedad president, Jokin Aperribay, have spoken of a period of reflection before making a final decision – and that is exactly what the current starting defensive midfielder for Spain is doing.

Last summer, the 26-year-old midfielder had turned down proposals from Liverpool and interest from Barcelona. This time, however, the midfielder appears more open to a move.

While some had assumed he was already bound for Arsenal, that is not the case. In recent days, the call from Real Madrid has changed everything. The option of joining Los Blancos is now real and Zubimendi is now considering his options, hitting pause on the Arsenal move.

Zubimendi has a €60 million release clause but Real Madrid are exploring the possibility of lowering that fee by offering some academy players. It remains to be seen whether they are successful in pursuit of the midfielder.