José Mourinho Targets Arsenal Midfielder Martín Zubimendi

José Mourinho has set his sights on an Arsenal midfielder – and he wants Real Madrid to move.

According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Martín Zubimendi is back on the agenda at the Bernabéu, with Mourinho giving the green light for Los Blancos to push for a deal in the current window.

The 27-year-old was a serious target for Madrid last summer, just as Xabi Alonso arrived, before choosing Arsenal instead. Twelve months on, his situation in north London has changed, and that has reopened the door.

Zubimendi has lost much of his status in Mikel Arteta’s side, and his representatives are now actively exploring a way out. They are sounding out the market, aware that Madrid’s interest is real and driven by Mourinho’s demand for a creative midfielder.

The pressure on Madrid’s midfield planning has only grown after Rodri rejected a move to the Spanish capital. With that option gone, Zubimendi’s name has moved back to the forefront of discussions at Valdebebas.

Mourinho’s stance is clear: go and get him.

The deal, though, is anything but simple. Arsenal are open to selling, but only at the right price. They paid €65 million to bring Zubimendi in last year, and any offer will have to exceed that fee before the Gunners even consider agreeing to a transfer.

There is another major obstacle. Madrid’s hierarchy have already decided there will be no further signings unless someone leaves. One member of the current squad must make way before Zubimendi can walk through the door.

So the situation is set: Mourinho pushing from the bench, Zubimendi’s camp weighing their options, Arsenal waiting for a bid big enough to move them. Now it comes down to whether Madrid are prepared to sell before they buy – and how badly they want Mourinho’s chosen midfielder.