Arsenal handed boost as Real Madrid opt out of £51 million-rated midfielder race: Reports

Arsenal have reportedly been handed a big boost in their pursuit of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who has also attracted attention from Real Madrid of late.

Zubimendi, 26, emerged as the talk of the town last year after he helped Spain win the UEFA Euro 2024 trophy. The defensive midfielder rejected a summer switch to Liverpool last August and has been heavily linked with Arsenal, Manchester City, and Real Madrid since the turn of the year.

According to Spanish outlet Okdiario, Real Madrid are no more aiming to add Zubimendi to their ranks this summer. They are unwilling to activate the player's £51 million release clause and are keen to sign a playmaker to complement Aurelien Tchouameni.

Hence, Mikel Arteta's side are currently in pole position to lure Zubimendi away from Real Sociedad this summer. They could decide to trigger the Real Madrid target's exit clause as Jorginho is set to depart after the end of the season.

So far this campaign, the Real Madrid-linked midfielder has contributed two goals and two assists in 44 total appearances for Real Sociedad.

Joe Cole says Arsenal should have signed 25-year-old Premier League striker

Speaking on The Dressing Room Podcast, ex-Chelsea star Joe Cole said that the Gunners should have signed Bournemouth striker Evanilson last summer. He said (h/t Metro):

"I like him. If you put him in the Arsenal team, I think he's competing for the Golden Boot. At the start of the season, they didn't go for a striker and it's almost like they are waiting for the perfect one. Why did you not go out and make a bid on Evanilson?"

Heaping praise on the 25-year-old Brazilian striker, Cole commented:

"If Evanilson was at Arsenal, they are a stronger squad straight away. I reckon that adds 10 goals and that's seven or eight points and then the league is much closer and you don't know what can happen. I just think they've missed a trick with this kid. I think his movement is fantastic."

Ex-West Ham United striker Carlton Cole also hailed Evanilson, saying:

"He's such a clever striker. He's a fox in the box but also good at linking up play. A proper old-school centre forward. When you look at what Arsenal might need, it's something like that. Someone who is clever and can read the game. He gets his tap-ins but you have to be in a position to score them."

Since departing Porto in a potential £40 million deal past year, Evanilson has registered 12 goals and five assists in 31 games for Bournemouth.