Arsenal leave Real Madrid surprised in latest twist over Martin Zubimendi transfer

Arsenal have privately informed their deal for Martin Zubimendi is all but done, it has been claimed. The star is available this summer for a little north of £50million, and the Gunners appear to be leading the race by a distance.

Spain international Zubimendi looked set for last summer, only to choose to remain in San Sebastian for another year. With La Real set to miss out on football, though, it appears he was only delaying an exit rather than dismissing one altogether.

According to , informed Real Madrid of the situation when members of the clubs' respective boards met ahead of their Champions League quarter-final second leg. The Gunners are said to have told their rivals the deal was "practically finalised" before .

The same report suggests remains destined for the Bernabeu, despite no announcement arriving over the Liverpool defender, with Xabi Alonso poised to take over from Carlo Ancelotti as manager. However, if Alonso does indeed take over, be may well need to look elsewhere for midfield reinforcements.

By moving to North London, Zubimendi will be able to join former Real Sociedad team-mates Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino. Arsenal captain Odegaard spent the 2019-20 season on loan in the Basque Country while still owned by Real Madrid.

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Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay told there would be no decision on Zubimendi's future until the summer. "We'll see what happens. All I ask of him is one last effort to qualify for Europe and whatever happens, will happen in June," he said.

"There's no point in speculating now about whether he'll be there. He's had several opportunities to leave and he'll make the decision he wants, because he'll have more options."

Even if they end the summer without Zubimendi, Real Madrid are expected to bolster their midfield ranks. stars Sandro Tonali and Alexis Mac Allister are on their shopping list, while .

Liverpool and Argentina star Mac Allister more than once, but has remained focused on his duties on Merseyside. He was part of the Reds squad which clinched the title on Sunday, scoring in a 5-1 victory over Hotspur on Sunday.

“I read the rumours and the news reaches me, but the important thing is the present is no matter how much the club loves me, if I play poorly this weekend, they’ll lose interest," Mac Allister told earlier in April. "I’m fine at Liverpool and I don’t have any need [to leave]. I have a lot of respect for the club, and I don’t think it’s necessary to talk about other clubs."

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