I havent read anything about this Naval ship but Gulf states contracts awarding have many other factors to consider like Aviation.Beijing ‘Shell Shocked’ By Saudi’s Decision To Abandon 052D Warship Under US Pressure – Local Media
Beijing be like: "When in the world did we offer our 052Ds to the Saudis???"
In fact, this sounds the same as those Jai Hinds who proudly boasted about how their mighty, unbeatable Tejas beat China's J-10 and JF-17 in Malaysia's RMAF LCA program - Only to have their Tejas losing to South Korea's FA-50. Besides, China only offered the L-15 to Malaysia, not J-10 and JF-17.
If Spain have any role in naval or other choppers or any other components in Aviation. it is highly likely going to win a contract. Aviation is the Most Important.
Saudi vision 2030 is depended on creating airline industry and when so much of European aviation is concentrated in Gulf. it is better to utilize or expand on it.
See this Qatar example. Ships and Choppers from same country.