Real Madrid VERY CLOSE to hijacking Arsenal transfer

Carlo Garganese
Carlo Garganese
  • 26 Mar 2025 07:30 CDT
  • 3 min read
Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid, 2024/25
© IMAGO

Arsenal have been stunned by the news that Real Madrid are very close to completing the signing of Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi.

Article continues under the video

That is according to Fichajes and AS, who report in the Spanish media that Madrid have hijacked Arsenal’s deal with Zubimendi.

Current ETV
Player image Martín Zubimendi
Martín Zubimendi

DM, M (C)

Real Sociedad logo

Real Sociedad

Martín Zubimendi
Martín Zubimendi

DM, M (C)

Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad

€55M

ETV Range

€49.5M - €60.5M

READ MORE: Arsenal's Basque Revolution: Arteta is shaping the Gunners in his image

FootballTransfers reported last month that Arsenal are closing in on the summer signing of Zubimendi.

We learned that Arsenal’s pursuit of Zubimendi was gathering pace, with the Real Sociedad midfielder’s representatives flying to London for further discussions with club officials.

Over the last week, it was further reported that Arsenal almost had the transfer is the bag.

READ MORE: Latest Arsenal transfer news

Could Arsenal lose Zubimendi to Madrid?

David Ornstein stated that Arsenal are in advanced talks to sign Zubimendi, and this was a sentiment shared in Spain.

It is understood that Arsenal are prepared to double Zubimendi’s wages and have reached an agreement on a four-year contract.

But on Wednesday came the shock news in a number of Spanish outlets that Madrid have hijacked the deal.

The Spanish media now believe that Zubimendi is “very close” to signing for Madrid.

Madrid are looking to bring in a top central midfielder this summer due to the age of Luka Modric and the uncertainty over the future of other players.

Will Zubimendi join Arsenal or Real Madrid?
© IMAGO - Will Zubimendi join Arsenal or Real Madrid?

Zubimendi was close to signing for Liverpool last summer and the Reds remain admirers of the Basque star.

Zubimendi at Euro 2024

Zubimendi enjoyed a fantastic Euro 2024 as Spain won the title and he was deemed by many to have been the key man in the 2-1 final win over England.

The midfielder came on at half time for Rodri with the score at 0-0 and immediately changed the game.

Zubimendi has spent his whole career at Real Sociedad, making 226 appearances and scoring 10 goals. He won the Copa del Rey in 2020.

Previously he played for Real Sociedad’s B team, making 50 appearances and scoring four goals.

He has been capped 17 times by Spain, winning Euro 2024 and the Nations League last year. He has scored one goal.