Arsenal remain confident of signing Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi in the summer transfer window, according to reports.
Mikel Arteta’s side are ready to meet the €60 million (£51m) release clause in Zubimendi’s contract with Real Sociedad but are yet to reach a final agreement with the midfielder.
Zubimendi had come close to joining Liverpool last year but opted to spend another season in La Liga.
Last month, Arsenal’s concerns were raised after reports in Spain claimed that Real Madrid had entered the race to sign Zubimendi and are ‘increasingly close’ to signing the 26-year-old.
However, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Madrid’s interest is linked with Xabi Alonso, who is interested in the player and remains a candidate to replace Carlo Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabeu at the end of the season.
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Alonso, however, remains Bayer Leverkusen’s head coach and Romano believes Arsenal remain in the driving seat to secure a deal for Zubimendi this summer.
‘Arsenal are confident, Arsenal are working on it, Arsenal know the details about the release clause, Arsenal are in contact with the player’s camp, so Arsenal want Zubimendi,’ Romano said on his YouTube channel.
‘They are still waiting for the final green light from the player, still working on that, but Arsenal still maintain their confidence.
‘Andrea Berta has a very good relationship with Zubimendi’s agent, they know each other for a long time, so for sure, Arsenal are working hard on the Zubimendi deal.
‘What about Real Madrid… these links are there because there is a possibility for Xabi Alonso to become new Real Madrid this summer, or in the future.
‘When this happens, Xabi Alonso would love to work with Zubimendi, he loves Zubimendi, this is why we have the links with Real Madrid.
‘But Arsenal are already in the process to sign Zubimendi, this is why at the moment they are confident.’
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