Reliable journalist claims Arsenal ‘expect’ Real Madrid target to join them this summer | OneFootball

Over the past few days, rumours of Real Madrid targeting a summer move for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi have been gaining momentum.

The Spanish international is set to be one of the most sought-after players in the summer, with Arsenal also interested in the midfielder, along with other Premier League clubs.

However, earlier this week, it was suggested that Real Madrid had skipped ahead of the Gunners in the race to sign the Spaniard before next season.

David Ornstein on Zubimendi-Real Madrid links

Now, reliable journalist David Ornstein of The Athletic has come forward with an update on the situation surrounding Zubimendi and the transfer war between Real Madrid and Arsenal.

The journalist states that Arsenal are still ‘expecting’ Zubimendi to sign for them in the summer, having been working on the deal for the Real Sociedad mainstay for months together now.

“Without wanting to discredit the reporting of others, I personally haven’t heard this. Arsenal are expecting Zubimendi to join in the summer,” Ornstein noted.

Future teammates? (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

“I don’t know if that means it is completely done but for some time now they have been working on the basis that he will be coming in and a huge amount of work went into getting them to that point.”

Zubimendi has a release clause worth €60 million in his contract at Real Sociedad, which should not be a problem for either Arsenal or Real Madrid.

A move to Arsenal would see him reunite with former Real Sociedad teammates Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino and become a part of the project that Mikel Arteta is building.

Joining Real Madrid would give him a chance to continue in Spain while competing for the UEFA Champions League year after year.

As such, it will likely come down to the midfielder’s preference and where he wants to play in the next phase of his career.