Real Sociedad midfielder and Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi is now prioritising a move to Real Madrid this summer, according to French journalist Santi Aouna.
Los Blancos are very interested in recruiting the services of the 26-year-old and have personally explained their plans to him in what could be a huge blow for the Gunners.
Arsenal were said to be confident a deal for Zubimendi will be wrapped up by June having told his club they are willing to activate his £52 million release clause, and recent reports claimed Madrid see him joining the North London club ahead of them.
However, it appears the defensive midfielder might have changed his mind and is now keen on remaining in Spain going forward.
As it stands, nothing is guaranteed amid the conflicting reports, but it would not surprise many if Zubimendi opts against joining Arsenal having rejected a move to Liverpool last summer when it had appeared a deal was all but wrapped up.
The Gunners will be hoping that is not the case and it will be intriguing to see how things go in the coming months.
Arsenal are likely to be without Thomas Partey and Jorginho heading into next season, and Zubimendi was seen as a ready-made replacement for the midfield duo.
The onus will be on their new sporting director Andrea Berta to ensure the Gunners pip Madrid to the services of the Sociedad star, and getting that done will be huge.
Arsenal will likely not be only battling Los Blancos for Zubimendi this summer, they could also find themselves fighting for other targets and will also be desperate to hold on to William Saliba as Madrid are reportedly hoping to snap up the French centre-back for cheap next summer or for free in 2027.
The North Londoners need all their best players and have to recruit the best players available to become regular winners of the major trophies under manager Mikel Arteta, and they have plenty of work to do this summer.
