‘World-Class’ Arsenal Target Wants to Join Real Madrid Instead

One of Arsenal’s top summer transfer targets – Martin Zubimendi – is actually prioritising a move to Real Madrid this summer, according to French journalist Santi Aouna.

Sami Mokbel reported back in January that the Gunners were close to agreeing a deal for the Real Sociedad midfielder to join in the summer, but no breakthrough has yet been made and now there could be a major U-turn.

Zubimendi Prioritising Move to Real Madrid Over Arsenal

He wants to join the La Liga giants

Despite reports at the beginning of the year that Arsenal were set to sign the Spain international – and more recently that they were confident of sealing a deal for the “world-class” midfielder as Andrea Berta’s first signing – the latest from France is that the 26-year-old would prefer to join Real Madrid instead.

Aouna says that Los Blancos – who were knocked out of the Champions League by Arsenal this week – have personally laid out their plans for him in their team.

The news will come as a blow to Mikel Arteta, who has reportedly been desperate to land Zubimendi and has personally sent him messages in order to boost the Champions League semi-finalists’ squad ahead of next season.

The Gunners wouldn’t be the first English team to suffer disappointment with Zubimendi if they did fail to get a move over the line, with the Spaniard also performing a U-turn and deciding to stay at Sociedad when Liverpool were trying to agree a deal in the summer of 2024.

Arsenal Also Linked With Bruno Guimaraes

He could be seen as a Zubimendi alternative

According to Spanish outlet AS last month, new Arsenal sporting director Berta is also serious about trying to sign Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United.

The Gunners appear set for an ambitious summer transfer window if reports are to be believed, and Guimaraes would certainly be proof of that.

The north London side would surely need a significant fee to prise the brilliant Brazilian away from St James’ Park, where he has become a key player alongside the likes of Sandro Tonali and another Arsenal target, Alexander Isak.

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