Real Madrid is expected to make at least four signings this summer, but if everything goes according to the club’s plan, a fifth name could join Xabi Alonso’s squad.
Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold are already on the list of targets, while Alvaro Carreras and Argentine talent Franco Mastantuono are also expected to join soon. However, the most ambitious target at the moment is Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
In recent weeks, Real Madrid has shown strong interest in Zubimendi, viewing him as the ideal player to strengthen the midfield for Alonso’s first season as head coach. However, Zubimendi has already agreed personal terms with Arsenal and is expected to move to the Premier League this summer.
Still, the deal with Arsenal will not be finalized before July, and this delay gives Real Madrid a window of opportunity—one the club is determined to take advantage of.
According to Diario AS, the “Los Blancos” board has decided to make one last attempt to secure the services of the Spanish international. Zubimendi is the only midfielder Xabi Alonso has specifically requested, and for that reason, the club has prioritized his pursuit.
Reports suggest that Zubimendi himself would prefer to stay in Spain, which gives Real Madrid hope of disrupting the agreement with Arsenal. However, the club is not willing to activate the €60 million release clause in his contract with Real Sociedad and is therefore exploring alternative solutions.
Madrid are planning to offer the free loan of one or two of their players to La Real in exchange for a reduced transfer fee. But if this proposal is rejected, Real Madrid will have to make a final decision on whether to pay the clause—knowing that Arsenal is ready to do so.
Another obstacle for the Madrid side is the salary—Zubimendi would have to accept a lower wage than what he is set to earn in London. Nonetheless, optimism remains high within Real Madrid, and everything could be decided in the coming weeks.
