Arsenal have reportedly agreed a new transfer fee to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad ahead of Real Madrid.
The 26-year-old is one of Mikel Arteta’s main transfer targets this summer.
Last year, the Real Sociedad star nearly accepted a transfer to Liverpool, Arsenal’s Premier League rivals, but ultimately turned it down.
Earlier in the year, the Gunners started negotiating a contract for Zubimendi and were thought to be in the lead to sign him.
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However, Real Madrid have not stopped showing interest in the Spaniard, and according to recent rumors, Xabi Alonso was preparing a “final offensive” in an attempt to outbid Arsenal for a move.
The problem for Arsenal is that, according to Spanish rumors, Zubimendi is actually thinking about snubbing the Gunners for a move to Madrid.
Zubimendi is said to be always wanting to play for Los Blancos and is eager to stay in Spain. Additionally, he has a positive relationship with Alonso, who was Real Sociedad B’s manager before that.
However, according to The Athletic, Arsenal still view the deal as “done and signed” and hope to welcome Zubimendi to the Emirates Stadium this summer.
According to reports, Arsenal have agreed to pay an additional £55 million to pay for the buy in installments rather than in full, even though the midfielder has a £51 million release clause.
Over the last three seasons, Zubimendi has made 236 appearances for Real Sociedad, his boyhood club, and established himself as one of the league’s top midfielders.
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