Arsenal-linked midfielder Martin Zubimendi has reportedly indicated that he would prefer to move to Real Madrid in the summer transfer window.
Zubimendi famously turned down the chance to join Liverpool last summer in favour of remaining with his boyhood club Real Sociedad for another season.
However, it now appears that the Spain international is ready to leave La Real and seek fresh pastures ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.
Last month, it was reported that new Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta had been tasked with securing the signature of the Euro 2024 winner.
Arsenal are keen to strengthen Mikel Arteta's engine room, especially as Jorginho and Thomas Partey could depart when their deals expire at the end of the season.
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Arsenal suffer Zubimendi blow
Arsenal will be aware that they face fierce competition from Spanish giants Real Madrid in the race to sign Zubimendi this summer.
In fact, the Gunners may have their work cut out to beat Los Blancos, with journalist Santi Aouna reporting that Zubimendi is 'prioritising a move' to Real Madrid this summer.
The same update claims that Real Madrid are 'very interested' and have personally informed the player's camp of their plans for him at the Santiago Bernabeu.
As a result, Arsenal may have a tough challenge to convince Zubimendi to make the leap to the Premier League, which could force the Gunners to consider alternative midfield targets.
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Why do Real Madrid need Zubimendi?
Zubimendi's reported transfer stance puts Real Madrid in a strong position to secure his signature, especially if they are willing to pay his €60m (£51m) release clause.
The 26-year-old may be seen as a viable successor to Toni Kroos, who called time on his playing career at the end of last season.
Real Madrid have missed the control and experience that Kroos brings to the table, but Zubimendi has the attributes and profile to fill the German's void.
Like Kroos, Zubimendi can dictate his team's attacking play from deep, demonstrated by the fact that he is in the top 10 in La Liga this season for passes into the final third and progressive passes, as per FBref.
