Arsenal has set up a summer break for the real Sociedad -midfielder Martin Zubimendi, but Real Madrid could take a step for the Spain International if Xabi Alonso takes over it
Real Madrid could hijack the movement of Arsenal for Martin Zubimendi if Xabi Alonso becomes their new manager. Carlo Ancelotti is expected to leave Los Blancos after they had deposited from the Champions League to Arsenal earlier this month.
Alonso is supposed to be the number 1 choice of Florentino Perez as a replacement for Ancelotti, who last season Bayer Leverkusen went to their first Bundesliga title ever led and played for Madrid as a player between 2009 and 2014.
Arsenal would be convinced that they will win the race for Zubimendi, which has a release clause of £ 52 million in his contract with Real Sociedad, as reported for the first time by ESPN. But if he moves to the Bernabeu, Alonso could push to Madrid to try to hijack the movement.
Alonso is considered a big fan of Zubimendi and Madrid want to strengthen their midfield options because they have not replaced Toni Kroos after he announced his retirement after Euro 2024.
They have also continued to trust the 39-year-old Luka Modric, who made 50 gigs for the club this season. Only colleague midfielder Federico Valverde is more used by Ancelotti.
Liverpool tried to sign Zubimendi last summer, but the 26-year-old finally decided to stay in Sociedad.
“I went on vacation and it surprised me,” Zubimendi told El Diario Vasco when he was asked about his decision to stay in Sociedad. “It wasn't something I had planned. I responded when the situation arose. It was an uncomfortable time for me, but I weighed the advantages and disadvantages and concluded that the best option was to stay.
“I don't believe in 'unique' opportunities. If you are good and want to achieve something, it will come to you. It is not necessary to hurry.
“I looked at my personal progression, who I am, and the club's project. I stayed because I knew that this season would be important to me in the team, and I still had to take steps.
“It wasn't that hard of a decision. There were many reasons for my decision, but I was selfish and thought about what was best for me – and that stayed.
“My philosophy is to always do what I feel. So far, things have gone well for me. It is true that there was a lot of noise. I have experienced uncomfortable moments.
“The best for me was to stay here and I am happy and in peace. There is a lot of noise because of the press, but in the end everything is easier than that. Of course I don't regret it, I can't think so after four or five games at the start of the season.
“I made my decision from the inside, I thought it was best to do, the results have no influence on me. I see potential in this team, you just have to look at our training and I am enthusiastic about a good season.”
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