Martin Zubimendi has yet to make a decision about his future. While Arsenal remain confident that the player will join them, the buzz surrounding Real Madrid‘s possible interest could change everything. Everything is expected to be clarified in July.
Real Madrid’s interest in Zubimendi
Real Madrid’s possible interest in Zubimendi began at the start of the year, when it was already clear how the season might end. But at first, the idea was ruled out. However, the debacle against Arsenal in the Champions League quarterfinals, when Xabi Alonso‘s name began to be mentioned as a possible replacement for Zinedine Zidane, saw Zubimendi’s name reappear among the options to strengthen the midfield.
By then, according to the English press, the player was already in advanced negotiations with Arsenal, and there was even speculation that the contract had already been signed, something that the player himself denied just a week ago during the Spanish national team’s training camp. It is true that contacts exist. In fact, Jokin Aperribay, president of Real Sociedad, confirmed that the only player with whom there were contacts for a possible departure was the midfielder, without revealing any further details.
Once the change of coach at Real Madrid was confirmed, the picture changed completely. Xabi Alonso is a role model for Martín Zubimendi, a childhood idol. Add to this the call from Real Madrid itself, and the plot takes on a whole new dimension. This has been confirmed by the newspaper Marca, which reports that everything was done with Arsenal and only the signature was missing, but everything has changed.
The Athletic considers the signing for Arsenal to be closed
However, in the United Kingdom, they continue to consider Zubimendi’s signing for Arsenal to be closed. The British media outlet The Athletic, in a report signed by Orstein, one of the most reliable journalists in this type of matter, states that, despite the noise that has been generated in recent weeks, the English team considers the agreement to be closed and signed.
What will happen to Zubimendi
There is a lot of information coming out about Zubimendi, and the latest comes from The Athletic, where Mario Cortegana claims that Real Madrid likes the player but has not made a move to try to change his mind. “The 15-time European champions like the player, but they have not sought him out or actively worked to sign him.”
The truth is that Zubimendi’s future seemed to lie in London, but in recent weeks, everything has changed radically. Meanwhile, the player was able to demonstrate his quality in the Spanish national team’s latest Nations League squad, where he put in an outstanding performance in the matches against France and Portugal, seamlessly covering for the absence of Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, with all eyes on him. He showed that he can take charge of a big team and that he is ready for it.
Arsenal continues to lead the betting to sign the player, but the arrival of Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid and the weight of the club are strong arguments for the footballer to end up moving to the Spanish capital.