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.

Alonso has already started making his mark on the Real squad but has reportedly demanded the exit of three key men, in order to make more additions at The Bernabeu