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Arsenal expected to bring Martin Zubimendi to the club this summer - but Real Madrid appear to have hijacked the transfer

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Arsenal have been hit by a major blow, with Martin Zubimendi now on the verge of a move to Real Madrid. In January, it was reported that the Gunners had secured the services of the Spaniard by reliable journalist, Sami Mokbel, writing in the Mail, with the move “virtually completed” ahead of the summer. Arsenal were said to have agreed a four-year deal, beating the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City to the punch. But now, an incredibly concerning twist has struck the North Lononers in the shape of a Real Madrid hijack – ahead of the two teams meeting in the next round of the Champions League next month. This would not be the first time that Zubimendi – ranked at no. 5 in Four Four Two's list of the best defensive midfielders in the world right now – has turned down a move to an English club. Last summer, Liverpool were in for the no. 6 but the player chose to remain in the Basque country – though transfer expert Ben Jacobs told Four Four Two on January 13, that Liverpool, “don't feel that Zubimendi rejected Liverpool or the project so much as chose to stay at Real Sociedad”. Now, it seems Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta could face the same fate. Spanish outlet Fichajes reports that Zubimendi is “very close” to signing for Los Blancos, as backed up by publication AS, who also link Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen with a Bernabeu move. Zubimendi is a player in the mould of Toni Kroos or Luka Modric and with the latter turning 40 in September, bringing in a replacement could be a priority for the European champions. The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. Trent Alexander-Arnold appears to be on the way – but manager Carlo Ancelotti has used the likes of Modric and former Emirates Stadium no. 8 Dani Ceballos in midfield as tempo controllers. Zubimendi is likely to take this role. Four Four Two understands that this interest from Real is legitimate. With top source David Ornstein claiming that Arsenal are fully expecting Zubimendi to arrive, Arteta simply has to hope that the groundwork that he's put in with the player already to convince him to move is enough – just as it was when Declan Rice signed in 2023. “Zubimendi is at a very advanced stage, ” Ornstein said in a Q&A on The Athletic. “The anticipation inside Arsenal is that he’s coming in. ” The journalist confirmed, however, “That deal would be a significant financial outlay, as would any move for a striker. ” Arsenal are believed to want to pay more than Zubimendi's release clause, in order to amortise the payment. With Eduardo Camavinga said to be a candidate for sale this summer, meanwhile, Real could use any sale of the Frenchman to fund a pursuit for a replacement. Transfermarkt values Zubimendi to be worth €60m. Arsenal return to Premier League action next week against Fulham. Mark White has been at on Four Four Two since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown. Surprise sponsor 'in talks' with the Premier League over multi-million pound deal: report 'It’s absolutely essential that funding drips down from the top end of the game – there is a disconnect' Stuart Pearce takes the Premier League trophy back to his non-league roots Surprise sponsor 'in talks' with the Premier League over multi-million pound deal: report

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