Arsenal's Martin Zubimendi deal in doubt? Real Madrid keen to sign €60m-rated Real Sociedad midfielder this summer despite Gunners having deal 'virtually complete'

According to a report from Diario AS, highly-coveted Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi is attracting interest from Real Madrid. This comes after reports from England suggested that Arsenal were on the verge of triggering the Real Sociedad star's €60 million (£51m) release clause, with the deal described as "virtually completed."

Madrid interest in Zubimendi comes from the club's desire to sign a ball-playing midfielder who's also good in defensive situations. While Los Blancos aren't sure about splashing €60m on the midfielder, the club's board are reportedly adamant they want to see a "Spanishisation" of the team, having lost key personnel such as Marco Asensio, Joselu, and Nacho - all Spaniards - in recent years. That is also partly the reason why the reigning Champions League winners are monitoring Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen.

Arsenal are sure to enter the market for new signings in the summer, with two of their midfielders, Jorginho and Thomas Partey, out of contract at the end of the current campaign. As a result, the Gunners have not given up on their hopes of signing long-term target Zubimendi and will not shy away from triggering his €60m release clause. Newcastle forward Alexander Isak is another who has been strongly linked.

It's not just Madrid and Arsenal who have been linked with the 26-year-old midfielder from the Basque country. Premier League giants Liverpool and Manchester City have also been reported to be interested in the Spanish international.

While it remains to be seen where Zubimendi's future lies ahead of the 2025-26 season, he will be representing Spain during the international break. La Roja face Netherlands in a Nations League quarter-final, with the first leg scheduled for March 20.