Xabi Alonso made a request to sign Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi in his first meeting with Real Madrid chiefs, a new report has claimed.
Arsenal have long been viewed as the clear frontrunners for the Spanish international midfielder.
Mail Sport reported back in January that Arsenal had virtually agreed a £51million deal for Zubimendi, but Real Sociedad wanted him to remain at the club until the end of the season.
Reports from Spain earlier this month suggested Real Madrid had made contact with Zubimendi’s camp as they considered an attempt to hijack the Gunners move.
According to the Madrid-based newspaper Marca, Alonso had demanded Real Madrid sign a playmaker as he seeks to overhaul the Spanish giants’ squad this summer after leaving Bayer Leverkusen to take charge.
The report claims Alonso specifically put forward Zubimendi’s name to Real Madrid’s sporting directors.
Xabi Alonso reportedly requested the signing of Martin Zubimendi to Real Madrid chiefs
Alonso was reportedly told by sporting directors his current midfielders are capable enough
The Spanish international midfielder is set to join Arsenal this summer from Real Sociedad
Alonso had previously coached Zubimendi when he was manager of Real Sociedad’s B-team, with the Spanish international having labelled him as his ‘idol’.
Real Madrid chiefs were claimed to have told Alonso that the midfielders he currently has at his disposal are capable of fulfilling his needs.
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The report comes after Real Madrid struggled in the Club World Cup opener against Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal on Wednesday.
Alonso’s first match as Real Madrid boss ended in a 1-1 draw with Gonzalo Garcia’s cancelled out by a Ruben Neves equaliser.
Real Madrid were denied victory when Federico Valverde saw a stoppage time penalty saved.
Earlier this week, The Athletic reported that Real Madrid officials have expressed their admiration for Zubimendi but have denied they had made an effort to sign him.
Arsenal are said to regard their deal with Zubimendi to have been signed, with the midfielder expected to link up with Mikel Arteta’s side for pre-season training.
The wait for official confirmation of Zubimendi’s transfer, with other deals having been announced in the first summer window, is reportedly due to Real Sociedad wanting to ratify the deal in July for accounting purposes.
