Real Madrid gives the OK and Arsenal makes the signing official, he will not play for Alonso

One of the new developments recorded in the European soccer elite, right in the middle of the Club World Cup, significantly changes the roadmap managed in the Valdebebas offices for this summer. Xabi Alonso has requested, despite the changes he has implemented in Santiago Bernabéu locker room, the signing of a creative midfielder with a defensive profile.

The white club's sporting management has been exploring that market for several weeks, but they still haven't achieved results that truly convince the white club's leadership. One of the targets proposed by the Tolosa coach, who also appeared on the list of potential signings for the white club, has just signed for his new club.

Martín Zubimendi was an option considered by Real Madrid for several months, while most rumors related to that signing linked him with Arsenal. After a few weeks of uncertainty, the signing of the Basque holding midfielder has become official. Fabrizio Romano has shown this on his social media.

The Italian journalist reveals that Martín Zubimendi is already a new member of the Emirates Stadium locker room. The deal has ended with a "€65 million ($65 million) agreement" that takes the player from Real Sociedad to the Gunner club... "as agreed since May", the Italian reporter recalls.

There are still gaps to fill

Fabrizio Romano points out that the addition of Martín Zubimendi is an "excellent addition for Mikel Arteta" for next season. After all, the Gunner coach made it clear on more than one occasion "that he strongly wanted" the Basque midfielder, a target he has finally achieved with Real Madrid's approval.

The executives led by Florentino Pérezhad doubts about paying the release clause, set at €60 million ($60 million), that kept Martín Zubimendi at the Reale Arena. They finally decided to refrain from continuing in a battle they wouldn't win, focusing on other targets in the summer transfer market, such as the acquisition of a top-level center-back.

Despite the signing of Martín Zubimendi by Arsenal, the Valdebebas offices keep the possibility of signing a midfielder open. The information recently revealed by José Félix Díaz warns of that hypothetical operation, although the MARCA journalist confesses that the white club isn't targeting a specific name.

Meanwhile, Xabi Alonso will have to recover from that significant loss... and continue working with the players he has at his disposal in Santiago Bernabéu locker room. For now, he is delivering results that meet the white club's leadership's expectations, judging by his performance in the Club World Cup held in the United States.