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Martin Zubimendi looks set to join either Arsenal or Real Madrid (Image: Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Arsenal are on the verge of their first big signing of the summer, with Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi inching closer to a move to the Emirates Stadium.

The 26-year-old midfielder, long admired by the Gunners, is in advanced talks with the club, though Real Madrid are trying hard to hijack the move.

With Zubimendi turning heads for both clubs and country in recent seasons, excitement in Arsenal circles is growing.



But it's the glowing endorsement from Xabi Alonso, one of football's sharpest minds, that truly underscores the magnitude of this potential signing.

Back in 2022, when Alonso was managing Real Sociedad's B team, he lavished praise on Zubimendi, having worked closely with him at the Reale Arena.

"Martin's a player all coaches would want," the now Real Madrid manager declared.

"He's generous, he always thinks more about his team-mates than himself.

Still, Arsenal remain optimistic, having laid a lot of groundwork for the transfer over the past few months.

The London club have also agreed to pay more than Zubimendi's £51million release clause in an attempt to beat Real Madrid to the punch.

Their efforts are no surprise, given Zubimendi's impressive, versatile wheelhouse.

Comfortable as a deep-lying playmaker or a box-to-box midfielder, he offers a blend of technical brilliance and tactical flexibility that few can match.

Martin Zubimendi has a big choice to make(Image: Harry Langer/Getty Images)

His composure under pressure and ability to read the game, plus his selfless work rate - Alonso's "generous" tag wasn't just a throwaway compliment - make it clear why Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who makes no secret of his desire to sign players with top personalities as well as ability- has made Zubimendi a priority.

For now, Arsenal fans are holding their breath.
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