Transfer News: Arsenal handed blow as transfer target waiting for offer from Real Madrid: Reports

According to Cope, Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has put his move to Arsenal on hold as he is waiting for Real Madrid. The Spanish midfielder is close to finalizing a move to the north London side, but would reportedly reject the Gunners if he gets an offer from Los Blancos.

The Gunners beat competition from clubs across Europe to finalize terms with Real Sociedad for Zubimendi’s services. However, the Spaniard is reportedly waiting for Los Blancos to reach out to him as he prefers a move to the Spanish capital.

Zubimendi has been a vital part of the Real Sociedad set up since he broke into the first team in 2020. The 26-year-old has scored 10 goals and provided nine assists in 236 appearances for his boyhood club.

Arsenal will hope they can secure the midfielder’s signature despite Real Madrid seemingly having an opportunity to steal the deal from under their noses in the summer. Both clubs are rebuilding their teams after disappointing trophyless 2024-25 campaigns.

Arsenal tipped to sign Real Madrid forward this summer: Reports

According to talkSPORT, Arsenal have emerged as genuine contenders to sign Real Madrid forward Rodrygo this summer. The Brazilian star has been linked with a move away from the Spanish capital after falling behind Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Vinicius Jr. in the club's pecking order.

The Brazilian forward is capable of playing on either flank or down the middle and poses a potent creative and goal-scoring threat wherever he pops up in the final third.

Rodrygo has been at Real Madrid since he arrived from Santos for a reported €45 million in the summer of 2019. He has played 267 times for Los Blancos, bagging 68 goals and 50 assists.

Arsenal are keen to add more firepower to their team as they look to end their wait for the Premier League title.

Real Madrid will wait to see what offer comes in for the talented Brazilian forward. The Spanish giants have all the leverage in any potential negotiations regarding the 24-year-old, whose contract runs until the summer of 2028.

About the author

Patrick is a European and international football journalist at Sportskeeda covering news and transfer rumors. A Business Administration graduate with a professional experience of 10 years, one of his earliest childhood memories is watching Calabar Rovers play at the U.J. Esuene Stadium with his father, with whom, he connects with, discussing the beautiful game.

Patrick’s favorite team is Manchester United for their unparallelled legacy and success in the game. He is a big admirer of Michael Carrick and his ‘smooth’ style of play back in the days. His favorite manager is Jose Mourinho, who according to him, brought a ‘swagger’ to football with his unique managerial style. Robin van Persie’s title-winning volley against Aston Villa for the 2013 PL triumph is etched in his memory forever.

Patrick always uses trusted outlets that produce accurate, balanced and fair information, and which present multiple point of views. He believes in reporting in a holistic manner for the readers’ benefit. If he could change a football rule, he would increase the number of substitutions allowed due to the high number of games played these days, to reduce injuries and so that youngsters get to show their talent as well.

When not covering football, Patrick loves reading, writing poems and short stories, and spend time with his dog Lana.

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Edited by Arshit Garg