Real Madrid are looking to sign Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi this summer, according to a report.

The midfielder, who nearly joined Liverpool last summer before pulling out of the deal last-minute, has, for months, seemed set to join the Gunners at the end of the campaign.

He could help resolve the Gunners’ defensive midfield concerns, having impressed at Real Sociedad for several seasons and appearing eager to advance in his career after not being ready last year.

That hasn’t stopped other clubs from pursuing him, though, with reports stating Real Madrid are now the latest team making their intentions clear to keep him in Spain.

He would command a hefty fee, with Mail Sport revealing in January that Arsenal were close to finalizing a £51 million agreement, and Madrid are reportedly willing to match that figure to secure his signing.

According to Diario AS, Carlo Ancelotti and his staff are keen to bring in more Spanish players, with only five homegrown talents currently in the squad.

Real Madrid have made a move for Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi, according to a report.

Mikel Arteta’s team has been preparing to activate the midfielder’s release clause this summer.

The LaLiga giants are also said to be monitoring a promising Premier League centre-back.

That centre-back is Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen, who would also contribute to increasing the club’s Spanish contingent.

Those players currently include Dani Carvajal, Lucas Vázquez, Fran García, Dani Ceballos, and Jesús Vallejo, while Marco Asensio has had more involvement with the senior team this season.

Signing Zubimendi would help that quota, while it’s also reported that the European champions are closely watching a rising Premier League centre-back ahead of a summer move.

That centre-back is Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen, who has been outstanding for the Cherries since joining from Juventus in the summer.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the 19-year-old has a £50 million release clause, meaning a deal could be secured without formal negotiations with his club.

The signings of Zubimendi and Huijsen, along with Asensio’s full promotion, would significantly help the club strengthen its Spanish presence.

Zubimendi, meanwhile, opted to stay in Spain last summer despite various levels of interest from Arsenal and Liverpool, though the Gunners reportedly never made a formal bid.

Manchester City had also shown interest in Zubimendi following Rodri’s season-ending injury.

Zubimendi has 15 Spain caps and is said to have a €60m (£51m) release clause, which Arsenal plans to officially trigger.

He is regarded as one of Europe’s top midfield prospects, and his signing would be a major boost for Arsenal and Arteta given the player’s growing reputation and widespread interest.