Arsenal have been handed a potential blow in their pursuit of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, with his proposed move to the Emirates now seemingly less likely.
Arsenal’s pursuit of Martin Zubimendi has encountered a significant setback following their recent defeat to Newcastle, with a potential transfer hijack by Real Madrid now emerging as a serious threat.
Zubimendi’s Transfer Saga Takes a Twist
The Real Sociedad midfielder has been one of the most sought-after players in European football, impressing with his performances at the club and on the international stage, particularly after his role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph. Arsenal seemed to be in pole position to sign Zubimendi, with reports suggesting that they had agreed to activate his £51m release clause, securing him for the summer.
Reports of Madrid’s Interest
Despite initial optimism that Arsenal had won the race for the midfielder, new developments have cast doubt on the deal. Real Madrid have reportedly entered the picture, with Spanish journalist Mario Cortegana revealing that Zubimendi is in talks with the La Liga giants. The growing conversations around a possible move to Madrid have placed Arsenal’s proposed transfer in jeopardy, particularly after the Spanish side’s history of swooping in for high-profile targets from Premier League clubs, as seen with the Aurelien Tchouameni and Jude Bellingham transfers.
Zubimendi’s Own Words
Despite the rumors and speculation surrounding his future, Zubimendi has been careful not to be drawn into discussions about his next move. In November, he said: “There will always be rumours, and now that January is approaching, there will be too, but I don’t waste energy on outside noise. I’m happy with the way I’m handling it, and I’m going to handle it.”
Arsenal’s Potential Blow
Arsenal fans had hoped to see Zubimendi join their ranks in the summer as part of their ambition to strengthen their midfield, but the emergence of Real Madrid as a serious contender complicates matters. Madrid’s involvement in the race for the 26-year-old could significantly affect Arsenal’s chances of landing him, leaving the Gunners to reassess their options.
This new development adds to a series of challenges for Arsenal as they look to bounce back from the defeat to Newcastle, with the Zubimendi transfer saga now hanging in the balance.
Arsenal’s pursuit of Martin Zubimendi has become even more critical after a disappointing January transfer window, which saw them fail to secure a much-needed striker. Their failure to sign Ollie Watkins, despite strong links with the Aston Villa forward, has left a gap in their attack. The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported that Arsenal turned down the chance to meet Villa’s £60m asking price, which could have been a potential solution to their striking woes.
January Struggles
Arsenal’s lack of firepower up front was painfully evident as they were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Newcastle in a 2-0 defeat during the second leg of their semi-final, which sealed a 4-0 aggregate loss. With their attacking options still limited, Arsenal’s failure to strengthen their forward line during the winter window could be a major blow to their ambitions for the rest of the season.
No Domestic Cup Glory
The defeat to Newcastle means Arsenal are now out of both domestic cup competitions, further intensifying the pressure on them to perform in the Premier League. The team will not return to action until February 15, when they face Leicester in a crucial Premier League clash.
Zubimendi’s Significance
In light of their struggles, Arsenal will be even more determined to avoid losing Zubimendi, who is seen as a key figure for their midfield. His potential signing represents a much-needed boost to their squad, especially with their other transfer setbacks. As Real Madrid continues to show interest, the Gunners will be desperate to act quickly and secure the midfielder’s signature in order to bolster their team for the second half of the season.
