Arsenal have been given a free run to secure the signing of one of Mikel Arteta’s major summer transfer targets after Real Madrid decided that they do not need him.
The Gunners have been on the hunt for Martin Zubimendi for over a year, yet now the Emirates club is finally in a position to land the Real Sociedad midfielder.
FootballTransfers revealed in February that Arsenal were confident of securing the signature of the Spain international, who has a release clause of €60m written into his deal with La Real.
Real Madrid still posed a threat at that point they but have turned their back on the 26-year-old, according to OK Diario.
Interestingly for Arsenal, Los Blancos’ reasoning for dropping their interest in Zubimendi is simply because he’s not the type of midfielder they are looking for this season. Indeed, Carlo Ancelotti’s side have given the Spaniard a glowing reference.
– OK Diario on Real Madrid’s Zubimendi interest
“Real Madrid like his on-field personality — a focused, family-oriented and calm person — as well as his approach to the game. He’s a player brimming with quality, but Real Madrid know perfectly well that his place in the squad is already covered,” the report states.
“The price tag is also a turn-off. Martín Zubimendi’s buyout clause is €60 million, and as much as Real Madrid maintains an excellent relationship with Real Sociedad, they are fully aware that when it comes to transfer fees, the San Sebastian club will not budge.”
Martin Zubimendi: The all-round star who can make Arsenal tick
Zubimendi can lay claim to being the most rounded midfielder in the world, providing a variety of different skills from the deep area in which he operates.
Indeed, it was notable how easily he slotted into Rodri’s role in the final of Euro 2024 as Spain claimed victory over England in the showpiece a year ago.
He is capable of doing a little of everything, and while his price tag of €60m may seem steep for a player with just two goals to his credit this season, he is the type of solid, reliable presence who can thrive at Arsenal.
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