Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi deal ‘faces being hijacked by Real Madrid with £50m transfer plotted’

ARSENAL'S bid for Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi is at risk of being hijacked by Real Madrid this summer.

The Gunners have been keeping tabs on Zubimendi, 26, ever since last year when they tried to lure him away from Spain.

In fact, the North Londoners went toe to toe with Premier League rivals Liverpool for the midfielder's signature.

According to El Partidazo de COPE, though, Arsenal – and the Reds for that matter – are now facing serious competition from Real who are pushing hard for the Spain international's signature.

As per the same source, Zubimendi's agent is listening to offers ahead of the summer transfer window.

And Real president Florentino Perez is making his move as he understands his team's advantage.

The reigning European champions can guarantee the talented Spaniard Champions League football next season as well as silverware in the near future.

Sociedad, on the other hand, are 12th in Laliga with 17 points separating them from the top four.

This comes after Imanol Alguacil's side were eliminated from the Europa League in the Last 16 by Manchester United.

Real are more than willing to meet Zubimendi's €60million (£50m) release clause and the potential arrival of Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso in the dugout will have no affect regarding their plans.

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The same report claims the final decision now lies on the defensive midfielder.

Zubimendi is highly rated and has been compared to Chelsea and Real legend Claude Makelele, Barcelona hero Sergio Busquets and Manchester City star Rodri.

Arsenal and Liverpool were very keen to sign him last summer but he was persuaded to remain at his beloved Sociedad by manager Alguacil and sporting director Roberto Olabe.

The pair prepared a presentation and pulled on the player's San Sebastian heartstrings with pictures of his favourite local tapas restaurants and mountain hikes he enjoys in the Basque Country.

The talented No6 has amassed a total of two goals and two assists in 38 appearances this season.