Arsenal’s summer transfer plan has been dealt a huge early blow as midfield target Martin Zubimendi seems to have opted for Real Madrid ahead of a Premier League move. In spite of concerted efforts and serious interest from the Gunners, the Spanish international has indicated that his target is the Santiago Bernabéu. Now, this choice pressures Arsenal into reviewing their strategy since they plan ahead for what was to be one of the most ambitious windows ever.
Also, Martin Zubimendi has emerged as one of Europe’s most coveted midfielders. Arsenal, Liverpool, and Barcelona have all been keeping tabs on him. Arsenal had wanted to sign him to the Premier League. He was a priority target for Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta.
🚨🔵⚪️🇪🇸 #Liga |
❗️Martín Zubimendi is prioritising a move to Real Madrid this summer
➡️ Real Madrid are very interested and are said to have personally explained his plans to Zubimendi pic.twitter.com/5BRoGEoE4x
— Santi Aouna (@Santi_J_FM) April 18, 2025
Zubimendi Prefers Real Madrid’s Project
The Gunners were prepared to pay Zubimendi’s £51 million release fee. They wanted him as the perfect defensive partner for Declan Rice. But Real Madrid have persuaded Zubimendi to remain in Spain. Their long-term project, vision, and assurances of a starring role were too good to turn down.
As per Spanish news, Madrid responded fast and decisively. Moreover, they guaranteed Zubimendi a central role in their rebuild midfield. The Spanish star has now reportedly decided on a strong mind. He has made up his mind about moving to Los Blancos this summer. At 25, Zubimendi is coming into his prime. He has the maturity and experience to spearhead under pressure games at the top level. Also, he impressed once more this term with Real Sociedad, playing with discipline, positional sense, and intelligence in a deep-lying midfield position.
🚨 Real Madrid have stepped up talks with Martin Zubimendi’s camp & the player is now considering his options. Arsenal are aware of the interest & it was believed to be one of the key reasons they tried to get Zubimendi tied down early. [@GraemeBailey] pic.twitter.com/rsAz4UX5Jc
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) March 26, 2025
Madrid’s midfield is at crossroads. Given that Luka Modrić is on the verge of retirement and Toni Kroos has already retired, Zubimendi fits ideally. He is not merely a temporary solution, Madrid view him as a long-term leader and anchor in the middle of the park.
Arsenal Must Rethink Midfield Strategy
Arsenal have already lost out on one of their primary summer targets. Now, they need to adjust and act fast in the market. Fabrizio Romano has recently confirmed Arsenal were actively pursuing the Zubimendi transfer. Arteta was supported to sign the best talent. But this move alters everything, now Arsenal will need to look to alternatives to strengthen their midfield going into a vital season.
With Champions League football once more secured, squad depth is more crucial than ever before. The midfield requires new energy and trustworthy depth. Declan Rice has been phenomenal, but he requires the correct partner. Arsenal identified Zubimendi as that missing component. Now, Andrea Berta is required to come up with an alternative solution. His first transfer window as Arsenal boss is already under scrutiny.
Arsenal remain ambitious in the market. Targets like Amadou Onana, Joao Neves, or even Moisés Caicedo could come into focus again. The Gunners are also reportedly eyeing reinforcements in attack and defense. However, midfield remains the top concern right now. Zubimendi’s snub will sting. But Arsenal have the resources, structure, and appeal to attract elite talent elsewhere.
Real Madrid’s market success is unrivaled as they keep on bringing Europe’s best talents, old and young. Zubimendi is only the latest in a lengthy roll call of astute, long-term signings. He cements Madrid’s transition towards a new era. Madrid were convincing in their tactic. They didn’t cajole with offers of money — they offered a vision and promised responsibility. Moreover, the choice of midfielder was not exclusively monetary. It depended on his function, his future, and the emotional stake he had in the project. The dominance of Madrid is off the field, too. They continue to be one of Europe’s most desirable clubs for players. Arsenal, though not successful here, need not lose heart. Anyways, the window is a long one, and chances will come.
In conclusion, Martin Zubimendi has opted to join Real Madrid ahead of Arsenal, citing a more defined role and better sporting project as major considerations. Arsenal have to regroup and look afresh at their midfield targets. The desire is still there — but their strategy now has to be readjusted.
Who do you want Arsenal to sign next? Leave your suggestions in the comments below!
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