Real Madrid Pursues Martin Zubimendi Amid Arsenal Doubts

Real Madrid’s interest in Martin Zubimendi is back on the table – and this time, Jose Mourinho is driving it.

The Spanish midfielder, who only arrived at Arsenal last summer in a €65 million deal from Real Sociedad, has re-emerged as a serious option for Madrid as Mourinho looks to reshape the heart of his team. Graeme Bailey reports that the Portuguese coach is pushing for more experience and control in midfield, and Zubimendi fits that brief.

When Arsenal signed him, the plan seemed clear: Zubimendi would grow into a central pillar of Mikel Arteta’s project at the Emirates. One year on, the landscape is shifting. The arrival of Bruno Guimaraes has added another heavyweight to an already crowded midfield, and that move has triggered fresh doubts in Zubimendi’s camp about his long-term status in north London.

Those doubts have not stayed internal. Conversations have already taken place between the player’s representatives and interested parties as they assess his role under Arteta and weigh up possible exits. At 27, Zubimendi wants clarity on whether he is still as central to Arsenal’s plans as he was led to believe when he left Real Sociedad.

Inside Arsenal, there is no active push to move him on, but the door is not locked either. The club are understood to be open to considering a serious offer for the Spain international if the proposal matches their valuation. That stance has encouraged Madrid, long-time admirers of Zubimendi, to test whether a deal can be brought to life.

Mourinho, newly in charge and intent on adding authority at the base of midfield, has given his approval to the pursuit. For him, Zubimendi offers exactly the kind of composure and experience he wants anchoring his side. With that green light, Madrid’s long-standing interest suddenly carries more weight.

Early contact has reportedly been made over the midfielder’s situation, and voices close to the negotiations suggest Zubimendi would be very keen on a move to the Santiago Bernabeu. The prospect of swapping the Emirates for Madrid’s dressing room clearly appeals.

One obstacle looms large: price. Arsenal spent €65 million on Zubimendi only a year ago and are unlikely to sanction an easy or cut-price exit. Any buyer, even Real Madrid, will have to grapple with a valuation shaped by that hefty investment.

For Madrid, the next step is straightforward but decisive. They must establish Arsenal’s asking price and then decide whether they are prepared to pay top-tier money for a midfielder who has had just a single season in the Premier League.