Real Madrid overtakes Arsenal for Zubimendi: transfer on track

In addition to the signing of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Real Madrid would already have the arrival of another of their targets for the summer transfer market on track. The merengues have greatly felt the absence of Toni Kroos this season, which is why they started the search for a new star who can fill the shoes left by the German upon his retirement at the end of last season, and Martín Zubimendi is the chosen one.

In recent months, the player from Donostia has become a target for the Madrid club ahead of the summer window, and sources close to the negotiation have revealed to 'El Partidazo de COPE' that the operation is accelerating as the end of the current season approaches. His agent, Iñaki Ibáñez, has held talks with major European clubs, and the merengues would have the advantage in the race.

Last summer, Zubimendi rejected an offer from Liverpool after the 'txuri-urdin' promised to consider his departure in the future, but since then neither his contract has been improved nor has his clause been reviewed, which is why it seems that both the player's agency and Real are open to a transfer.

Madrid would have won the race for Zubimendi against Arsenal

The midfielder's contract with Real expires in 2027, and his release clause is valued at 60 million euros, an amount that the Madrid club is willing to pay without any problem. However, the final word will be the player's, as he must be the one to deposit this clause in LaLiga, although the good relations between clubs could facilitate the process.

From the Premier League, on the other hand, they are not giving up on their desire to bring 'Zubi' to England. Arsenal has been the team that has insisted the most on his signing, and it was even rumored that negotiations with the player were very advanced. However, Madrid seems to have prevailed in the race, as the player's environment believes that the Bernabéu is the best destination to compete with Rodri for a spot in the Spanish National Team.

The whites would offer Zubimendi a significant salary increase and an important role in the team, and the possible arrival of Xabi Alonso to the bench further strengthens his position in the operation. Additionally, Real and Madrid have maintained a fluid relationship in transfers and loans in recent times with names like Illarramendi, Odriozola, Odegaard, and Kubo as protagonists, making this a key factor in tipping the balance in their favor.