Arsenal and Real Madrid have been locked in a transfer battle for Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi since the start of June. The Gunners have been tracking the Spain international for over 12 months - following his call to reject Liverpool last summer - with Mikel Arteta viewing him as a vital acquisition.

The Real Madrid board brutally shot down Xabi Alonso's next transfer request after securing a deal for Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Real Madrid may be enjoying one of their most active transfer windows in recent years, but not every request from new manager Xabi Alonso is being fulfilled. According to MARCA, the former