Arsenal ‘make final decision on Martin Zubimendi transfer exit amid Real Madrid interest’

ARSENAL reportedly have no intention of selling Martin Zubimendi to Real Madrid this summer. The Euros and World Cup winner, 27, only landed in North London last year and featured in every single Premier League game as Arsenal became champions in his debut season. Real Madrid have maintained their interest in Martin Zubimendi Credit: Getty Mikel Arteta wants Zubimendi to stay in North London Credit: Getty Real Madrid tried to beat the Gunners to Zubimendi last summer but there was no going back on the £51million deal Arsenal had struck with Real Sociedad by the time Los Blancos attempted to hijack it. Real are said to have maintained an interest in Zubimendi one year on. Sign up for the Arsenal newsletter Thank you! But according to football.london, Mikel Arteta wants him to be part of his bid to win back-to-back titles. It is understood that Zubimendi, as with most other Arsenal players, would be attainable for the right price. But it could take something astronomical to prise him away from the champions, and from a manager who wants him to stay. Zubimendi’s starting spot could be under threat this season following the £75m signing of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle. Declan Rice is a guaranteed starter in the midfield three when fit, and ousting skipper Martin Odegaard could be a tough ask. Mikel Merino, Eberechi Eze and Max Dowman are also in the mix. If Arteta gets his wish and Zubimendi sticks around as a rotation option, Myles Lewis-Skelly could, in theory, be pushed closer to the exit door. Most read in Sport BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK Zubimendi staying could lead to Myles Lewis-Skelly’s exit Credit: Getty Chelsea and Manchester United have both been offered the chance to sign the Hale End academy graduate, who can play at left-back or in midfield. But with Arteta stacked in both departments, the £60m-rated 19-year-old may soon be on the move. Comment now