Arsenal’s meticulously planned summer transfer window has hit a dramatic snag, with Real Madrid, under the incoming leadership of Xabi Alonso, poised to disrupt the Gunners’ pursuit of Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi. The 26-year-old Spanish midfielder, widely regarded as one of La Liga’s premier talents, had reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Arsenal for a £51 million move, with the club prepared to trigger his release clause. However, Alonso’s deep admiration for Zubimendi—described as a “fetish” for the former midfielder turned manager—has spurred Real Madrid to launch a last-minute bid to hijack the deal, leaving Arsenal fans reeling and the transfer saga teetering on the edge.
Zubimendi, a product of Real Sociedad’s youth system, has been a long-term target for Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta, who sees the Spaniard as the ideal anchor for his midfield rebuild. With a playing style often compared to Alonso’s own—marked by composure, precise passing, and tactical intelligence—Zubimendi has shone in 2024-25, contributing to Sociedad’s push for European qualification. His performances at Euro 2024, where he played a key role in Spain’s triumph, further elevated his stock. Arsenal, buoyed by their Champions League semifinal run and a second-place Premier League finish, believed they had secured Zubimendi’s signature in January, with Arteta personally outlining a starring role. “If we are having those meetings now we are very late,” Arteta said ahead of a recent match, hinting at the club’s proactive transfer strategy under incoming sporting director Andrea Berta.
The Gunners’ optimism was bolstered by Zubimendi’s reported farewell to Sociedad, with local reports noting an emotional interview that carried a “tone that doesn’t inspire optimism about his future” at the Basque club. Arsenal’s agreement included a long-term contract and a plan to activate his €60 million release clause, a move celebrated by fans online. “Zubimendi’s the perfect fit for Arteta’s system,” one supporter posted, reflecting the excitement over his potential partnership with Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice. However, the deal remains unsigned, and Real Madrid’s intervention has thrown a wrench into Arsenal’s plans. “There is nothing signed,” a source close to the negotiations revealed, leaving room for Alonso to sway his former protégé.
Alonso, set to replace Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid after leading Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga title in 2024, has a personal connection with Zubimendi, having coached him at Real Sociedad’s B team. “Martin’s a player all coaches would want,” Alonso once said, praising his versatility and leadership. Their shared Basque roots and Zubimendi’s admiration for Alonso—“I could feel the affection he had for me”—add a compelling layer to Madrid’s pursuit. With Toni Kroos’ departure leaving a void in Madrid’s midfield, Zubimendi’s “world-class” profile, as described by Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney, makes him a priority for Alonso’s rebuild. Social media is abuzz with Madrid fans urging action, one posting, “Xabi and Zubi together? That’s a dream midfield.”
Real Madrid’s interest isn’t new. They’ve monitored Zubimendi since last summer, when he rejected Liverpool’s advances to stay at Sociedad, hoping for a future move to the Bernabeu. Arsenal’s advanced talks had seemingly outpaced Madrid, but Alonso’s imminent arrival—backed by a three-year contract until 2028—has shifted the narrative. After a trophyless 2024-25 season, marked by a 5-1 Champions League loss to Arsenal and a seven-point La Liga deficit to Barcelona, Madrid are desperate to restore their dominance. Alonso’s vision, rooted in positional play and a 3-4-2-1 formation, sees Zubimendi as the perfect double-pivot partner for Jude Bellingham.
For Arsenal, the potential hijack is a bitter blow. The club’s £300 million transfer budget, fueled by the exits of Thomas Partey and Jorginho, was set to fund additional signings like Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres and Chelsea’s Andrey Santos. Losing Zubimendi could disrupt Arteta’s plans for the FA Cup final and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. “This is why we can’t get too excited until it’s official,” a cautious fan tweeted, echoing the anxiety of a fanbase burned by past transfer near-misses. Yet, Arsenal remain hopeful, with Berta’s negotiation prowess and Zubimendi’s reported preference for the Premier League offering a glimmer of optimism.
As the transfer window nears, the battle for Zubimendi pits Arteta’s ambition against Alonso’s pulling power. Will Arsenal secure their midfield linchpin, or will Real Madrid’s allure prove too strong? The answer will shape both clubs’ seasons, making this one of the summer’s most gripping transfer dramas.