Arsenal remain confident of securing the signing of Martin Zubimendi this summer, despite fresh reports linking Real Madrid with a potential hijack of the deal if Xabi Alonso takes over at the Santiago Bernabeu. According to TBR Football the Gunners are not concerned about any late interest from Los Blancos and continue to push ahead with their long-standing pursuit of the Spanish midfielder.
The West London club have been working on the Zubimendi deal since January, and sporting director Andrea Berta is believed to be playing a central role in finalising the transfer. Arsenal see Zubimendi as the perfect deep-lying midfield presence to add control, composure, and La Liga-tested intelligence to Mikel Arteta’s side.
As Carlo Ancelotti prepares to leave Real Madrid at the end of the season, likely to take over the Brazilian national team, Xabi Alonso remains the favourite to replace him. The current Bayer Leverkusen boss has long been admired in Madrid, where he remains a fan favourite from his playing days.
Should Alonso be appointed, reports in Spain suggest he would push for several of his preferred targets, including Leverkusen stars Florian Wirtz and Jonathan Tah, as well as Zubimendi, a player he has admired for years in La Liga.
However, despite Alonso’s potential influence, Arsenal’s position is strong. Talks with Real Sociedad are already at an advanced stage, and the Gunners have a long-standing and positive relationship with the Basque club. Past dealings for players like Nacho Monreal, Carlos Vela, and Kieran Tierney (on loan) have built trust between the clubs.
Since taking over as sporting director, Andrea Berta has made it a priority to secure Zubimendi’s services early. Arsenal believe the 26-year-old will be an ideal fit in midfield, offering both cover and competition for Declan Rice while enabling more tactical flexibility next season.
Zubimendi’s growing reputation in England, alongside links to Liverpool and Barcelona in the past, makes this a highly anticipated move. But Arsenal’s groundwork and the player’s interest in joining a structured, upward-trending Premier League side have tipped the scales in their favour.
Real Madrid’s interest is always a looming threat in any transfer saga, but Arsenal have played this one smart. By moving early, leveraging their ties with Real Sociedad, and involving a well-connected director like Berta, the Gunners have likely outmanoeuvred late competition. Zubimendi could become a cornerstone of Arteta’s midfield for years, and Arsenal fans have every reason to believe it’s only a matter of time.
