Arsenal Hijack Real Madrid Target After Arteta’s Masterplan Wins Over Player

Arsenal are still confident of landing midfield maestro Martin Zubimendi this summer, with SunSport reporting that the Spanish star is leaning towards a move to North London instead of joining La Liga giants Real Madrid.

Mikel Arteta has been pushing hard behind the scenes to bring the Real Sociedad midfielder to the Emirates, and sources suggest his vision for the club has already had a strong influence on Zubimendi. The Arsenal boss is believed to have personally pitched the project to the 26-year-old, outlining how he would be central to the club’s midfield rebuild in the years to come.

Arteta had hoped to seal the deal as early as the winter transfer window, viewing Zubimendi as the ideal partner for Declan Rice in a more fluid and technically sharp midfield setup. However, Real Sociedad were unwilling to let go of one of their most prized assets mid-season and insisted he remain until the end of the campaign.

Despite that temporary setback, Arsenal have continued to work behind the scenes, confident that their groundwork will pay off. The belief in North London is that Zubimendi is already sold on Arteta’s vision, the club’s ambitions, and the opportunity to develop his game in the Premier League under a Spanish manager who understands both the league and the player’s playing style.

Zubimendi, who has long been admired for his composure on the ball, intelligence off it, and ability to control the tempo of a match, would bring a new dynamic to Arsenal’s midfield. His potential partnership with Rice and Ødegaard is being viewed as one that could elevate Arsenal to a new level of dominance, both domestically and in Europe.

While Real Madrid’s name has inevitably surfaced in the race for his signature, insiders claim that Zubimendi prefers to join a club where he will play a pivotal role, rather than rotate in an already star-studded midfield. At Arsenal, he would be expected to start regularly and become a cornerstone of Arteta’s system—something that could prove crucial in swaying his decision.

Moreover, Zubimendi has previously hinted that he values team stability, coaching clarity, and a strong project over glamour. Arsenal, with their youthful squad, exciting playing style, and the progress they’ve made under Arteta, check all those boxes.

It’s now a waiting game, but Arsenal are moving with quiet confidence. With the summer window approaching, the club are expected to activate Zubimendi’s release clause if a final green light is given from the player’s side. All signs currently point to a future in red and white for the Spain international.

Should the deal go through, it would be a major statement of intent from Arsenal and another sign that the Gunners are not just building for the future—but ready to compete with Europe’s elite right now.