In a surprising turn of events, Real Madrid has reportedly expressed interest in signing Martin Zubimendi, a highly sought-after midfielder who has long been on Arsenal's radar. Zubimendi, currently thriving at Real Sociedad, was on the brink of joining Liverpool last summer but made a last-minute decision to stay with his current club.

With Arsenal eager to bolster their midfield, Zubimendi has been seen as a pivotal player who could effectively address their defensive midfield concerns. His impressive performances over the past few seasons have not gone unnoticed, and it seems that he is now ready to take on new challenges beyond La Liga.

However, Los Blancos are not the only team in pursuit of the talented midfielder. Reports suggest that Real Madrid is committed to keeping him in Spain, and they are willing to match Arsenal's reported £51 million deal, which was nearly finalized earlier this year.

Carlo Ancelotti and his management team are looking to increase the number of Spanish players in their squad, which currently features only five: Dani Carvajal, Lucas Vazquez, Fran García, Dani Ceballos, and Jesús Vallejo. This push to sign Zubimendi would go a long way in solidifying their national lineup and enhancing team dynamics, especially with Marco Asensio increasingly involved with the first team.

In addition to Zubimendi, Real Madrid is also monitoring Premier League’s Dean Huijsen, a promising centre-back who has made waves at Bournemouth since moving from Juventus last summer. The 19-year-old Huijsen has a reported release clause of £50 million, making him an attractive target for clubs looking to enhance their defensive strength with minimal negotiation hassle.

Zubimendi has become a key part of Spain’s national team, earning 15 caps and displaying immense potential on the international stage. His current release clause stands at €60 million (£51 million), a figure that both Real Madrid and Arsenal seem interested in activating.

With the summer transfer window approaching, the race is on for his signature. The outcome could have significant implications for both clubs, not just in terms of squad composition but also in their aspirations for the upcoming season. For Arsenal, securing Zubimendi would represent a significant coup, given the fierce interest from top European clubs, reinforcing Mikel Arteta’s plans to return the Gunners to their former glory. Stay tuned as the saga unfolds!