The Real Sociedad midfielder has been heavily linked with the Gunners for months now, with reports claiming an agreement is in place that will see the 26-year-old ply his trade in Arsenal red next season.
But, as is often the case when attracting talent from Spain, the north London club had experienced fresh competition from Madrid who have long-admired Zubimendi's performances.
The £51million buy-out clause in the player's contract has acted as a double-edged sword for Arsenal's transfer delegation - providing a tempting price not just for them but also the rest of Europe.
Liverpool have sniffed around the Reale Arena for the midfielder, though their interest is believed to have waned, and the price tag will not have scared off Madrid, initially.
However, according to Mirror Football, the Gunners now expect to have an uncontested run at landing Martin Zubimendi this summer.
"In recent weeks, Real Madrid have been increasingly linked with Zubimendi, 26, who Gunners boss Mikel Arteta greatly admires," Chief football writer, John Cross explains.
"The foundations have been laid for a £51m deal and Madrid have yet to push ahead with a move of their own. Conversely, Arsenal will face competition for their striker targets."
Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi is a rumoured target for Arsenal ahead of the summer transfer window
Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi is a rumoured target for Arsenal ahead of the summer transfer window
Providing some much-needed firepower up front has been top of the agenda for most associated with Arsenal but bolstering midfield has been an overlooked necessity.
Both Thomas Partey and Jorginho are expetced to depart the club after June 30, 2025, leaving the squad short of both cover and experience in midfield.
Declan Rice is, on paper, seen as the prime candidate to slot into the holding midfield position both the aforementioned players typically occupy but the England international has shone in a more advanced position of late.
Zubimendi is a more defensive-minded player so could find himself playing plenty of minutes if he does join Arsenal but there may still be room for another midfield signing, should Arteta require more depth.
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