Despite Real Madrid advances, Spain star Zubimendi still keen to join Arsenal

Martin Zubimendi will still end up at Arsenal despite reports of interest in his services from Spanish Giants Real Madrid.

Transfer experts David Ornstein and Fabrizio Romano reported in April that the Spain international Zubimendi had already agreed to move to the English club Arsenal from Real Sociedad ahead of the 2025/26 season.

However, reports in Spain in recent days have insisted that Real Madrid still have a chance of hijacking Arsenal for the Real Sociedad midfielder.

Spanish newspaper Marca reported on Monday that ‘concerns are starting to appear at the Emirates’ amid interest from Los Blancos and that ‘the outlook has changed in recent hours with the appearance of Real Madrid on the scene.’

In response to the reports, writing on The Athletic, Ornstein says that La Liga side Real Sociedad ‘expressed a preference for the deal to be ratified in July for accounting purposes’ and that Zubimendi ‘is expected’ to join up with the rest of the Arsenal squad in pre-season.

"Real Madrid like the player but did not pursue or actively work on recruiting him", Ornstein wrote.

Zubimendi has previously turned down a move to Liverpool and is thought of as one of the best holding midfielders in Europe.

He was a starter in Spain's UEFA Nations League final loss to Portugal over the weekend.