Xabi Alonso made a request to sign Arsenal -target Martin Zubimendi in his first meeting with Real Madrid Chiefs, claimed a new report.

Arsenal has long been seen as the clear leaders for the Spanish international midfielder.

Mail Sport reported in January that Arsenal had agreed almost a 51 million deal for Zubimendi, but Real Sociedad wanted him to stay in the club until the end of the season.

Reports from Spain suggested earlier this month that Real Madrid had made contact with the Zubimendi camp, because they considered an attempt to hijack the movement of the Gunners.

According to the Madrid -based newspaper Marca, Alonso Real Madrid had demanded a playmaker while this summer he wants to revise the team of the Spanish Giants after leaving Bayer Leverkusen to take the lead.

The report claims that Alonso has specifically put the name of Zubimendi to the sporting directors of Real Madrid.

Alonso had previously coached Zubimendi when he was a manager of the B-team of Real Sociedad, where the Spanish international had called him as his 'idol'.

Real Madrid's leaders would have told Alonso that the midfielders he currently has at his disposal are able to meet his needs.

The report came after Real Madrid struggled on Wednesday in the club World Cup opener against Saudi-Arab side Al-Hilal on Wednesday.

Alonso's first match when Real Madrid boss finished in a 1-1 draw with Gonzalo Garcia's canceled by an equalizer by Ruben Neves.

Real Madrid was denied the victory when Federico Valverde saw a stop -time penalty.

Earlier this week, the athletics reported that Real Madrid officials pronounced their admiration for Zubimendi, but denied that they had made an attempt to sign him.

Arsenal is said to consider their deal with Zubimendi as signed, with the midfielder being expected to connect with the side of Mikel Arteta for training for the season.

Waiting for the official confirmation of the transfer of Zubimendi, with other deals announced in the first summer window, is said to be due to Real Sociedad who wants to ratify the deal in July for accounting purposes.

Xabi Alonso made a request to sign Arsenal -target Martin Zubimendi in his first meeting with Real Madrid Chiefs, claimed a new report.

Arsenal has long been seen as the clear leaders for the Spanish international midfielder.

Mail Sport reported in January that Arsenal had agreed almost a 51 million deal for Zubimendi, but Real Sociedad wanted him to stay in the club until the end of the season.

Reports from Spain suggested earlier this month that Real Madrid had made contact with the Zubimendi camp, because they considered an attempt to hijack the movement of the Gunners.

According to the Madrid -based newspaper Marca, Alonso Real Madrid had demanded a playmaker while this summer he wants to revise the team of the Spanish Giants after leaving Bayer Leverkusen to take the lead.

The report claims that Alonso has specifically put the name of Zubimendi to the sporting directors of Real Madrid.

Alonso had previously coached Zubimendi when he was a manager of the B-team of Real Sociedad, where the Spanish international had called him as his 'idol'.

Real Madrid's leaders would have told Alonso that the midfielders he currently has at his disposal are able to meet his needs.

The report came after Real Madrid struggled on Wednesday in the club World Cup opener against Saudi-Arab side Al-Hilal on Wednesday.

Alonso's first match when Real Madrid boss finished in a 1-1 draw with Gonzalo Garcia's canceled by an equalizer by Ruben Neves.

Real Madrid was denied the victory when Federico Valverde saw a stop -time penalty.

Earlier this week, the athletics reported that Real Madrid officials pronounced their admiration for Zubimendi, but denied that they had made an attempt to sign him.

Arsenal is said to consider their deal with Zubimendi as signed, with the midfielder being expected to connect with the side of Mikel Arteta for training for the season.

Waiting for the official confirmation of the transfer of Zubimendi, with other deals announced in the first summer window, is said to be due to Real Sociedad who wants to ratify the deal in July for accounting purposes.