Context:

Real Madrid has made a surprising decision to drop their pursuit of Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi, clearing the way for Arsenal to potentially secure the midfielder. This shift in focus comes as Real Madrid prepares for significant changes, including the anticipated departure of coach Carlo Ancelotti, with Xabi Alonso likely to succeed him. Alonso, already in talks with Real Madrid, will have a transfer budget to reshape the team, prioritizing defensive reinforcements due to current injuries and departures. The club has identified defense as a critical area of concern, with a new center-back being a top priority. Meanwhile, Arsenal is keen to pair Zubimendi with former teammate Mikel Merino, utilizing their financial strength to activate his release clause from Real Sociedad, which runs until 2027.

Dive Deeper:

• Real Madrid decided to stop pursuing Martin Zubimendi, allowing Arsenal to advance in their efforts to acquire the midfielder, who is under contract with Real Sociedad until 2027 with a £51m release clause.

• Los Blancos are undergoing significant changes, with Carlo Ancelotti expected to leave after the 2024/25 season due to a disappointing Champions League exit and trailing Barcelona in La Liga, setting the stage for Xabi Alonso's potential return as coach.

• Xabi Alonso, currently with Bayer Leverkusen, has a contract allowing him to join former clubs and is reportedly in discussions with Real Madrid, where he will have a budget for transfers, including a nearly completed deal for Trent Alexander-Arnold.

• Real Madrid's focus has shifted to strengthening their defense, as President Florentino Perez faces challenges with injuries to key players like David Alaba, Eder Militao, and Antonio Rudiger, and the impending departure of Lucas Vazquez.

• Arsenal sees an opportunity to enhance their midfield by pairing Zubimendi with his former Real Sociedad teammate Mikel Merino, leveraging their financial capability to meet the midfielder's release clause.

• Real Madrid's decision reflects a strategic shift in transfer priorities, as they are well-stocked in midfield and aim to address vulnerabilities in their defensive lineup to maintain competitive performance.

• Feargal Brennan, a content producer for The Sporting News, reports on these developments, emphasizing the impactful changes and transfer strategies at Real Madrid amidst a dynamic football landscape.

• Real Madrid have reportedly taken a firm decision over a key transfer target ahead of the summer window.

• Los Blancos are preparing for major changes in the coming months with Carlo Ancelotti expected to move on from the Spanish capital at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.

• A quarterfinal exit in the UEFA Champions League and a gap behind Barcelona in the La Liga title race has piled the pressure on the Italian boss with Xabi Alonso on standby to replace him.

• The Basque coach is rumoured to have already opened talks with Real Madrid as his Bayer Leverkusen contract containing a clause that he can join one of his former clubs.

• Alonso will be given a transfer budget to work with on his anticipated return to Madrid with a deal for Trent Alexander-Arnold edging closer following confirmation of his departure from Liverpool.

• Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi has emerged as an option to bolster Real Madrid's midfield despite Arsenal also pursuing the 26-year-old but the club have now reportedly changed their position on him.

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• Martin Zubimendi's Real Sociedad contract, transfer clause

  Zubimendi's current contract in San Sebastian runs until 2027 with the Spain international having a £51m [$68m] release clause in place.

• Both Arsenal and Real Madrid have the financial muscle to activate that option, with Arteta looking to pair Zubimendi with his old La Real teammate Mikel Merino in North London, and they could now have a clearer path towards a deal.

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