Real Madrid will miss midfielder Martin Zubimendi, in the midst of reports that he has already signed a contract with Arsenal. The real Sociedad -midfielder has decided it was time to take the next step in his career, and he will become a member of colleague Basque manager Mikel Arteta and former teammates Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino.
Arsenal had tried to sign Zubimendi two seasons ago, but he chose to stay in La Real. However, after Liverpool missed him last summer, Zubimendi seemed more open to leaving this time. Arsenal was reportedly in advanced conversations in January and this month the last conditions of the deal closed – he will cost them his full release clause of € 60 million.
There was one doubt, and that was the consistent series of reports from the Spanish capital that suggested that Real Madrid was interested in the 26-year-old. The fact that his Idol Xabi Alonso also arrived as a manager at the Santiago Bernabeu, and was a supporter of him, was called a potential obstacle for Arsenal. Earlier this week it was suggested that a phone call from Real Madrid could change his mind.
Based on the BBC report, that phone call did not arrive on time, or did not convince him. They say that the paperwork is completed for the deal, and that awaiting a medical, Zubimendi will be announced as a new Arsenal player. Said Medical is organized.
Arsenal will undoubtedly receive one of the best midfielders in Voetbal, Spanish, who has set the tone for the most successful era in the history of Real Sociedad in the last 25 years. He stood in the heart of their midfield for six consecutive seasons for Europe, a Copa del Rey Trophy and their first visit to the Champions League in a decade.