For one Premier League team in particular, it’s awful news.
As manager of Real Madrid, Xabi Alonso has reportedly chosen his preferred second signing.
On May 25, the Spaniard succeeded Carlo Ancelotti as manager of Los Blancos.
Days later, it was confirmed that Real Madrid had acquired Trent Alexander-Arnold. Marca said that the Spaniard had been active in negotiations by describing his ideal system for the England international to integrate into.
In addition to the two acquisitions that brought much-needed freshness to Real Madrid’s aging defense, Los Blancos had already confirmed the £50 million transfer of center-back Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth.
Alonso has determined that he needs a new midfield player and will now concentrate on adding players further up the field.
AS claims that since Luka Modric left on a free transfer, improving that region of the field has become a top focus.
Additionally, when Toni Kroos resigned last summer, Real decided not to replace him, at least not with an incoming move.
According to reports, Alonso has made the decision to invite Real Sociedad player and Spain compatriot Martin Zubimendi to the Bernabeu.
In the last 12 months, the 26-year-old has been strongly connected to moves to Liverpool and, most recently, Arsenal.
He rejected a move to Anfield last summer, and according to a report by Sky Sports on Friday, Sociedad and Arsenal are close to reaching an agreement over a £51 million trade.
But according to AS, Real Madrid is getting ready to make a “last push” to sign the Euro 2024 champion since they “do not believe there is anyone on the market who can beat him.”
https://x.com/CoachesVoice/status/1930573302449226121
According to reports, Xabi Alonso has made it “clear” that he prefers Zubimendi to other players, like Angelo Stiller of Stuttgart.
He was the coach of Real Sociedad B from 2019 to 2020, and in an interview with Spanish radio station Radio Nacional, Zubimendi called the Spaniard a ‘hero’.
Additionally, Alonso thinks the midfield player would rather remain in Spain than relocate to England.
According to AS, Real Madrid is considering whether to offer a loan agreement with a buyout option, but Arsenal still has the financial advantage.
Additionally, if Zubimendi were to come to the Bernabeu, he would have to “give up some money” because Arsenal’s €10 million offer is higher than Real’s €6-7 million contract offering.
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