Martin Zubimendi’s proposed transfer to Arsenal has been put on hold following a late interest from Real Madrid, according to reports from Spain.
The Real Sociedad midfielder had been strongly linked with the Gunners for months, with Arsenal reportedly ready to activate his €60 million release clause.
Personal terms were believed to be agreed, leaving only a medical and signature pending.
However, Marca reports that Zubimendi has delayed the move after receiving a direct call from Madrid expressing interest in a summer transfer.
Real Madrid manager-in-waiting Xabi Alonso is reportedly eager to bring his compatriot to the Bernabéu, a factor believed to be swaying the 26-year-old, who has long admired the former midfield icon.
Key figures at Madrid are also said to back the move, viewing Zubimendi as the best value-for-money option currently on the market.
While Madrid have been reluctant in the past to meet high release clauses, recent signings such as Dean Huijsen (€60m) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (€10m) suggest a possible shift.
Sources close to Real Sociedad suggest the club would prefer to register the sale in the next financial year, pushing formalities to July.
That delay, combined with Madrid’s late approach, has introduced fresh doubts into what was previously considered a near-complete deal for Arsenal.
