Arsenal lay groundwork to complete major signing, but Real Madrid could swoop

Arsenal have put the groundwork in on Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi and now hope to have a deal in place for this summer, according to The Athletic.

However, there are growing conversations behind the scenes and increasing discussions around the 26-year-old at Real Madrid.

The La Liga table-toppers want the Spaniard, but Arsenal are pursuing a deal and looking to activate his €60 million release clause in the coming months.

Liverpool pursued Zubimendi last summer, but he opted to remain at Sociedad.

Arsenal have been working on a move for a while, with manager Mikel Arteta the key driver behind it.

Signing Zubimendi would allow Declan Rice to settle into one position as the left number, potentially solidifying the side of a team which has struggled to match the effectiveness of their right flank.

Zubimendi’s strengths include winning aerial duels, playing through balls and blocking the ball, and Arsenal could do with his qualities in their team.

However, luring him to the Emirates Stadium club could prove tricky after Madrid registered a concrete interest in him.

Remaining in Spain to continue plying his trade at arguably the biggest club on the planet could be more appealing to the Sociedad star than leaving everything behind to move to London.