Xabi Alonso handpicks second Real Madrid signing to join Trent Alexander-Arnold in huge blow to Premier League clubs

Xabi Alonso has decided on his preferred second signing as Real Madrid manager, it has been reported.

The Spaniard took charge of Los Blancos on May 25, replacing Carlo Ancelotti at the helm.

Real's move for Trent Alexander-Arnold was confirmed days later, with Marca reporting that the Spaniard had been involved in talks by way of outlining his preferred system for the England international to fit into.

Los Blancos had already confirmed the £50 million signing of centre-back Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth, with the two deals adding much-needed youth to Real's ageing backline.

Alonso is now set to focus on additions further up the pitch - and has now decided that he needs a new midfielder.

That's according to AS, with strengthening that area of the pitch now a major priority following the departure of Luka Modric on a free transfer.

Real also chose not to replace Toni Kroos - at least in terms of an incoming transfer - when he retired last summer.

It is claimed that Alonso has decided he wants to bring Spain compatriot and Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi to the Bernabeu.

The 26-year-old has been heavily linked with moves to Liverpool and, most recently, Arsenal in the past 12 months.

He turned down a move to Anfield last summer, with Sky Sports reporting on Friday that a deal is close between Sociedad and Arsenal over a £51 million transfer.

AS report, however, that Real are preparing a 'final push' to sign the Euro 2024 winner, as they 'do not believe there is anyone on the market who can beat him'.

It is claimed that Xabi Alonso has made it 'clear' that Zubimendi is the player he wants to sign over other options, such as Stuttgart's Angelo Stiller.

He coached the Spaniard while in charge of the Real Sociedad B team between 2019 and 2020 - with Zubimendi describing him as an 'idol' in an interview with Spanish radio station Radio Nacional.

Alonso also believes that the midfielder would prefer to stay in Spain rather than move to England.

However, Arsenal still hold the upper hand in terms of financials, with AS adding that Real are mulling whether to submit a loan deal with an option to buy.

And Zubimendi would have to 'give up some money' if he were to move to the Bernabeu, with Real's contract proposal of €6-7 million being lower than Arsenal's €10m offer.