Arsenal are increasingly confident of signing Real Sociedad defensive midfielder Martin Zubimendi despite rival interest from Real Madrid, according to reports.
The Gunners have been in regular contact with the Spaniard’s entourage over the past few months, with negotiations understood to be at an ‘advanced’ stage.
Real Madrid have held talks of their own, however, and haven’t given up on hijacking Arsenal’s pursuit of Zubimendi, with the race still in the balance.
It’s claimed that the Gunners are prepared to ‘double’ Zubimendi’s wages and have ‘reached an agreement on a four-year contract’ with him.
However, ‘despite the financial and sporting incentives on offer, the 26-year-old remains cautious about the move and is seeking assurances on non-football-related matters before committing to the transfer.’
The report alludes to the fact that Zubimendi has spent his entire career with Sociedad and has a deep-rooted connection with the club, so he is still considering whether to say goodbye to the San Sebastian-based side.
Our sources state that Madrid’s representatives are actively ‘trying to convince’ Zubimendi to ‘reject’ Arsenal and head to the Bernabeu instead, so the race is far from over yet.
