Arsenal suffer new setback after Newcastle defeat as Martin Zubimendi transfer hijack threat emerges

Arsenal have been handed a potential blow in their pursuit of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, with his proposed move to the Emirates now seemingly less likely.

Zubimendi, 26, has been linked with several top clubs across Europe including Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool and Real Madrid after impressing for Sociedad and also playing an important role in Spain's Euro 2024 triumph last year.

Arsenal looked to have won the race to sign the midfielder after reports in January claimed they had agreed a deal for him to move to the Emirates at the end of the current campaign.

The Daily Mail reported that Arsenal were set to formally trigger a £51m release clause in Zubimendi's contract at Real Sociedad, with a deal for the Spain international said to be 'virtually completed'.

It was claimed that Arsenal were set to pull of a 'major coup' by beating the likes of Liverpool and Madrid to Zubimendi's signature.

However, no deal has been officially announced and it now appears that a move to the Emirates is far from certain.

Spanish journalist Mario Cortegana, who covers Real Madrid for The Athletic, has reported that Zubimendi remains in talks with the La Liga giants and that there are 'growing conversations' over a possible move to the Bernabeu.

Real Madrid have hijacked several deals for Premier League targets in recent seasons, including Aurelien Tchouameni and Jude Bellingham – who were both linked with Liverpool before moving to Spain.

Speaking back in November, Zubimendi kept tight-lipped about his future, keeping his options open.

"There will always be rumours, and now that January is approaching, there will be too, but I don't waste energy on outside noise," Zubimendi said.

"I'm happy with the way I'm handling it, and I'm going to handle it."

Martin Zubimendi is wanted by several top clubs (Image: Getty)

Arsenal will be desperate to avoid losing Zubimendi after a disappointing January transfer window saw them fail to sign a much-needed striker.

The Gunners were strongly linked with Ollie Watkins but a move failed to materialise, with The Athletic's David Ornstein later claiming the London club turned down the chance to sign him after refusing to meet Aston Villa's £60m asking price.

Arsenal's lack of firepower up front was exposed on Wednesday night as Newcastle dumped Mikel Arteta's side out of the Carabao Cup with a 2-0 win in their semi-final second leg at St James' Park, securing a 4-0 win on aggregate for the Magpies.

They will now face either Liverpool or Tottenham in the final, with Spurs 1-0 up ahead of the second leg at Anfield on Thursday evening.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are now out of both domestic cup competitions and will not return to action until they face Leicester in the Premier League on February 15.