Real Madrid given hope? Martin Zubimendi to Arsenal transfer takes fresh twist after seemingly winning £51m transfer race

Less than a day after reports suggested the Real Sociedad star was set to have a medical before joining Arsenal for £51 million ($68.8m), Spanish publication Cope states sources close to the player are adamant a medical has not been scheduled. As of Wednesday afternoon, the 26-year-old was pictured relaxing on Zurriola beach in San Sebastian.

However, the report claims there are several indications that the Spain international will head to Arsenal, but Zubimendi's social media photo appears to be a 'subtle, yet direct, response to the immediate rumours'. Zubimendi has been linked with Real Madrid and famously snubbed Liverpool a year ago, but it seems the Gunners may get their man eventually.

Zubimendi has spent his entire professional career at Sociedad, with the defensive midfielder making 236 appearances for the club in all competitions. The Spaniard, who has scored 10 goals and bagged nine assists along the way, helped his side win the Copa del Rey in 2020.

It may just be a matter of time before Arsenal secure the services of Zubimendi. But what Gunners supporters are really craving is a new out-and-out number nine, with RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres among their preferred targets.