Real Madrid Confidencial Neither Stiller nor Wirtz: his Premier League signing comes to a sudden halt, Xabi Alonso under fire
Zubimendi hasn't finalized his signing with Arsenal and is waiting for the decision Xabi Alonso may make
Martin Zubimendi is once again at the center of the transfer market. Real Sociedad's midfielder is one of the summer's most desired key pieces.
His €60 million ($60 million) release clause and his consistent performance in LaLiga have caught the attention of several European giants. Among them, Arsenal.
The English side seemed to have the signing on track. There was even talk of a verbal agreement. However, the player himself has cooled the rumors.
"Of course there are chances to stay at Real Sociedad," he said in an interview with Radio Nacional from the Spanish national team's training camp.
Xabi Alonso, key for Real Madrid
Zubimendi remains Xabi Alonso's main target to strengthen Real Madrid's midfield. He prefers him over Stiller or Wirtz. The Basque coach, who coached him in the txuri-urdin youth academy, is his main supporter.
"I've always said Xabi was my idol. I was lucky that he coached me at an important moment in my career," the player stated.
However, he avoided commenting on a possible move to the white team: "I don't want to talk about hypotheticals. I'm focused on the national team."
From Valdebebas, they are aware of the high cost of the signing. The €60 million ($60 million) clause is considered too high.
Only a direct intervention from Xabi Alonso could change the outlook. The coach would have to convince the player to lower his demands and wait for the merengue project.
Transfer halted and rumors denied
A few days ago, several media outlets claimed that Zubimendi had traveled to London to finalize his transfer to Arsenal.
However, the footballer posted some photos on La Zurriola beach. "Sometimes I read things I didn't even know I'd done. I posted those images to deny what was being said," he explained.
Real Sociedad's president, Jokin Aperribay, also spoke out. "Zubimendi is the only player we've talked to about the future," he stated. He said that no other club has made formal contact and that there are no offers on the table.
Real Madrid, for now, are staying on the sidelines. However, Xabi Alonso's presence could unlock a deal that seemed ruled out. Everything suggests that Zubimendi will be one of the main names in the market until the last day of summer.
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