Arsenal ‘confident of landing £51m Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi’ despite ‘Real Madrid interest in Spanish star’

Despite Real Madrid’s interest, a report claims that Arsenal is certain they will complete the purchase of Martin Zubimendi this summer.

After pursuing the Spain international for more than a year, Mail Sport exclusively reported in January that the Gunners will sign him in the next transfer window.

But in the months that followed, there were rumors in Spain that the European champions were interested in the midfield player and may sabotage the sale.

However, ESPN reports that the Gunners have progressed negotiations and are certain they will sign the Real Sociedad player. An crucial summer of recruitment for the north London club is anticipated to begin with his signing.

The midfield player, who nearly joined Liverpool last summer before abruptly abandoning the agreement, has a £51 million release clause in his contract.

Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, is a big fan of the 15-time Spanish international.

With both Jorginho and Thomas Partey’s contracts expiring at the end of the current campaign, Arsenal has increased its interest in Zubimendi in an effort to find a replacement central midfield player before the start of the following campaign.

Last summer, Liverpool nearly paid £52 million to sign Zubimendi, but the 26-year-old midfielder made a stunning U-turn and decided to stay with the La Liga team.

Prior to Arne Slot’s first season at Anfield, the Reds were eager to add a No. 6 to their roster, but Zubimendi ultimately chose to stay.

‘I didn’t feel any pressure from my inner group,’ Zubimendi told the Spanish press in August when discussing his decision to remain at Sociedad last summer.

It’s obvious to my buddies that whatever I choose will be the greatest. There is absolutely no pressure.

I believe I’ve spent half of my life in Real Sociedad; it’s my life. “Real is a big part of who I am; it’s my life,” he continued.

Due to a loss to Manchester United, the team is now ranked 10th in the Spanish top flight and was humiliatingly eliminated in the Europa League last-16. Zubimendi and Sociedad have not had the best of seasons.