Arsenal expects to add Martin Zubimendi to their team this summer, but the Spain and the Real Sociedad -midfielder was also monitored by Real Madrid -Baas Xabi Alonso
Arsenal's striving for Martin Zubimendi comes despite the best efforts of Xabi Alonso to convince his countryman to join Real Madrid, it is said. The name of the real Sociedad star would have been noticed in the first meeting of Alonso with Madrid's Top Messing, only for Arsenal to win the race.
The international midfielder Zubimendi of Spain looked for a Liverpool switch in 2024, only to decide on the eleventh hour to stay in real sociedad. However, a move to the Premier League is only delayed, with Mikel Arteta ready to reunite the 26-year-old with former club teammates Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard.
Alonso, who took over from Carlo Ancelotti in the Bernabeu, has already added to his team with the additions of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen. However, he will miss Zubimendi, despite Marca's claims about the best efforts of the head coach.
The Spanish publication reports that Alonso called Zubimendi's name to the sporting directors of Madrid when he first spoke with them, but was told that the club was sufficiently filled in midfield. Los Blancos should be able to return Fede Valverde in a regular midfield role next season after being forced to deputize in the past term, brought in with Alexander-Arnold to start regularly for defense.
Aurelien Tchouameni and Jude Bellingham started on Wednesday with Valverde in a midfield three against Al Hilal in the club World Cup. Luka Modrid also came into the fight late, but the veteran will leave Madrid at the end of the tournament.
Alonso's failure to land the organizer of the midfield he wanted is good news for Arsenal. The Gunners are willing to meet the Zubimendi release clause, although the player himself is not in a hurry to sort out his future.
“Of course there are options, but it is true that it looks like it will be another, long summer, and I don't know how it will end,” he said at the beginning of June. “I don't think I think about it now, my priority. I am here with the national team, which I think is quite demanding, and if I have to say something, I will do that.”
Alonso was asked about Alexander-Arnold and Huijsen after the couple made their first start in the club World Cup. The new manager could not make a winning start, with all Hilal Keeper Bono Saving Valverde's Late Pnalty in a 1-1.
“First of all, I would like to congratulate them because this is a big day for them,” Alonso said about Alexander-Arnold and Huijsen. “Making a Real Madrid debut will certainly have an impact on them. I am very happy because they have that personality and they will be important players for us. Having them here will give us extra quality.”