Revealed: What's really going on with Real Madrid and Martin Zubimendi after Arsenal thought they had sealed the deal for Spanish midfielder
Real Madrid have reportedly sought to play down suggestions they have attempted to hijack Arsenal 's deal to sign Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi this summer.
Arsenal have long been viewed as the clear frontrunners for the Spanish international midfielder.
Mail Sport reported back in January that Arsenal had virtually agreed a £51million deal for Zubimendi, but Real Sociedad wanted him to remain at the club until the end of the season.
Reports from Spain on Monday claimed Real Madrid were set to make a move to convince Zubimendi to join them over the Gunners.
Marca's report claimed Real Madrid had contacted Zubimendi's entourage to determine whether he had finalised a deal with Arsenal, which his camp were claimed to have denied.
The report claimed Real Madrid's call has 'changed everything' with Zubimendi becoming aware of the possibility of joining the club.
Arsenal are reported to view their deal for the Spain international to have been completed
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However, according to the Athletic, Real Madrid officials have expressed their admiration for the midfielder but have denied that the Spanish giants had made an effort to sign him.
Arsenal are said to regard their deal with Zubimendi to have been signed, with the midfielder expected to link up with Mikel Arteta's side for pre-season training.
The wait for official confirmation of Zubimendi's transfer, with other deals having been announced in the first summer window, is reportedly due to Real Sociedad wanting to ratify the deal in July for accounting purposes.
Zubimendi had spoken out about his future last week, ahead of Spain's Nations League matches.
The 26-year-old midfielder admitted he faces a 'long summer' amid speculation over his next club.
Zubimendi also labelled Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso as his 'idol', even before working with the former midfielder when he coached Real Sociedad's B-team.
'Of course there are options, but it's true that it looks like it's going to be a different, long summer, and I don't know how it's going to end.
'I don't think thinking about that right now is my priority. I'm here with the national team, which I think is already quite demanding, and if I have to say something, I'll do it.
'I've always said he was my idol and that it was a stroke of luck for me that he was able to coach me in the reserve team during a very important year.
The Gunners expect Zubimendi to join up with Mikel Arteta's squad for pre-season training
'The following season, I made it into the first team, and, well, I don't like to talk about those hypotheticals, I prefer to talk about the present.'
A product of Sociedad's youth system, Zubimendi has gone on to play 236 times for the club, while he has represented Spain on 17 occasions.
He has long been regarded as one of the best midfielders in LaLiga and last summer was close to joining Liverpool, who came in for him after he helped Spain to win Euro 2024.
However, Zubimendi ultimately decided to stay at Sociedad after his boyhood club attempted to change his mind.
Zubimendi scored in the Nations League final on Sunday as Spain drew 2-2 with Portugal, but suffered defeat in a penalty shoot-out.
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