Real Madrid have reportedly not given up hope of signing Martin Zubimendi during this summer's transfer window, with Los Blancos preparing to go head-to-head with Arsenal for the Real Sociedad midfielder.
Arsenal appear to be in pole position to sign the Spain international, who has a €60m (£50.5m) release clause in his current deal.
However, expert Charles Watts recently told Sports Mole that Arsenal fans could not "totally celebrate" the deal until it was official, and according to AS, a switch to Real Madrid during the upcoming window is still a possibility.
The report claims that Xabi Alonso, who is set to be confirmed as Real Madrid's new head coach later this month, is a huge admirer of the Spain international and views him as the ideal midfield acquisition this summer.
Zubimendi is allegedly 'yet to commit' to Arsenal, suggesting that he could be waiting for Real Madrid to make a move.
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Real Madrid 'battling Arsenal' for Zubimendi transfer
Liverpool were believed to be close to signing Zubimendi during last summer's transfer window, having activated the release clause in his Real Sociedad contract, but the 26-year-old ultimately decided to remain with his Basque club.
It has been a testing campaign for La Real, but Zubimendi has again been a strong performer, making 46 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice and providing two assists in the process.
Real Madrid are expected to confirm the arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool on a free transfer in the near future, while the club have also made significant progress in terms of a deal for Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen.
It is set to be a busy summer transfer window for the European champions, though, and Alonso is believed to have made it clear that he wants Zubimendi, who represents an interesting option considering the release clause in his deal.
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How will the situation play out? Should Arsenal be worried?
Zubimendi changed his mind over a move to Liverpool last summer, so it is not impossible to imagine a scenario which involves the Spaniard turning his back on Arsenal in order to join Real Madrid.
Luka Modric is set to leave Bernabeu on a free transfer this summer, and with Jude Bellingham potentially being moved back into the number 10 spot next season, a new central midfielder may be required at Bernabeu.
Arsenal have done a lot of groundwork on a deal for Zubimendi, with personal terms already believed to have been agreed, meaning that the green light from the player is all that is required at this stage of proceedings.
The fact that has not yet happened, and the noise coming out of Spain, is not exactly positive news for Arsenal, but this is still a transfer that Mikel Arteta's side should be able to get over the line.
Matt Law
