Ancelotti’s Side Desperate to Snatch Sociedad Star as Arteta Nears Deal
Real Madrid are plotting a dramatic late move to disrupt Arsenal’s summer plans by launching a €60 million bid for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi. According to reports from Spain, Carlo Ancelotti’s side are making a frantic attempt to hijack the deal, just as the 26-year-old is on the verge of agreeing to join Mikel Arteta’s project in North London.
Zubimendi, a long-term target for Arteta, has been in advanced talks with Arsenal over a €60 million switch—a fee that matches his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €55 million. The Spanish midfielder, who has spent his entire career at Sociedad, is now ready to leave his boyhood club, with his contract running until 2027.
However, Real Madrid are refusing to back down. Club president Florentino Perez is reportedly exploring whether the €60 million release clause can be negotiated—potentially paid in instalments or even reduced by including a player in the deal. The upcoming Copa del Rey semi-final between Madrid and Sociedad is being seen as a “golden opportunity” for Los Blancos to push for an 11th-hour agreement.
Arsenal remain confident, having matched Sociedad’s valuation, but Madrid’s late intervention adds an unexpected twist. Zubimendi has previously turned down big moves—including a chance to join Liverpool last year—but this time, he appears set for a new challenge.
Will Arteta’s patience pay off, or will Real Madrid succeed in stealing their top target at the last moment? The coming days could decide one of the summer’s most intriguing transfer battles.
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