Goodbye to Xabi Alonso, Fabrizio Romano reveals that the signing slips away from Florentino.

Martín Zubimendi won't play for Real Madrid. The midfielder from Real Sociedad is very close to becoming a new player for Arsenal.

This was revealed by Fabrizio Romano on his social media. The Italian journalist has launched his famous "here we go", an unmistakable sign that the agreement is complete.

Zubimendi has given the "yes" to the London club. He has accepted a long-term contract and will be Arsenal's first signing for the next season.

Only one step remains. Arsenal will activate the 60 million euro ($60 million) release clause in the coming weeks.

Florentino Pérez thus loses one of Real Madrid's major targets. Zubimendi was a priority for the white club.

Xabi Alonso, current coach of Bayer Leverkusen and future coach of Madrid, wanted him as a key piece in his new project.

But the transfer of the coach from San Sebastián hasn't arrived in time. Madrid's timelines with Alonso haven't matched with the midfielder's signing.

Zubimendi was clear: Madrid was his priority

Arsenal already tried in the summer of 2024. At that time, Zubimendi said "no". His dream was to sign for Real Madrid and work with Xabi Alonso.

However, the lack of concrete moves from Chamartín has changed the scenario. The player from San Sebastián has now accepted the English club's proposal.

The leading role, the ambitious sports project, and Mikel Arteta's insistence have been key to convincing him.

Arsenal gets ahead and pays the clause

Real Sociedad won't negotiate. Arsenal has decided to activate the release clause, set at 60 million euros ($60 million).

Zubimendi will thus become the first signing of the new season for the "gunners".

Real Madrid will have to look for alternatives in the market. The departure of Kroos and the future of Modric require strengthening the midfield.

This time, the "here we go" has sounded in London, not in Madrid.