La Liga giants Real Madrid, and incoming head coach Xabi Alonso, have this week been dealt something of a blow on the transfer front.This comes amid confirmation that Bayer Leverkusen sensation

Real Madrid have reportedly taken a firm decision over a key transfer target ahead of the summer window.Los Blancos are preparing for major changes in the coming months with Carlo Ancelotti expected to move on from the Spanish capital at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.A quarterfinal exit in the UEFA Champions League and a gap behind Barcelona in the La Liga title race has piled the pressure on the Italian boss with Xabi Alonso on standby to replace him.The Basque coach is rumoured to have already opened talks with Real Madrid as his Bayer Leverkusen contract containing a clause that he can join one of his former clubs.Alonso will be given a transfer budget to work with on his anticipated return to Madrid with a deal for Trent Alexander-Arnold edging closer following confirmation of his departure from Liverpool.Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi has emerged as an option to bolster Real Madrid's midfield despite Arsenal also pursuing the 26-year-old but the club have now reportedly changed their position on him.📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsAppMartin Zubimendi's Real Sociedad contract, transfer clauseZubimendi's current contract in San Sebastian runs until 2027 with the Spain international having a £51m [$68m] release clause in place.Both Arsenal and Real Madrid have the financial muscle to activate that option, with Arteta looking to pair Zubimendi with his old La Real teammate Mikel Merino in North London, and they could now have a clearer path towards a deal.getty imagesAs per reports from Spanish outlet OK Diario, Real Madrid have decided to remove Zubimendi from their list of targets, with other positions prioritsed.Defence is the main area of concern for club president Florentino Perez with Lucas Vazquez set to leave on a free transfer and David Alaba, Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger suffering with injury issues in 2025.A new centre-back is the big focus now, and that could allow Arsenal to step up the push for Zubimendi, with Real Madrid well-stocked for options in midfield.Real Madrid news and related linksCarlo Ancelotti claims Real Madrid 'can fight' to stop Barcelona winning La Liga with El Clasico victoryWhy Trent Alexander-Arnold can't wear No.66 at Real MadridReal Madrid push for Arsenal star defender as priority summer signing

Real Madrid remain firm admirers of Arsenal defender William Saliba and the Premier League club face an important few weeks and months which will decide their future at centre-back