Arsenal
News about Martin Zubimendi at Arsenal is drawing transfer talk across Europe this summer. Real Madrid and Chelsea are watching the midfielder closely. Reports say his long-term future at the club remains unsettled.
Uncertain future of Martin Zubimendi at Arsenal
As reported by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Real Madrid could take advantage of an uncertain future that Zubimendi now faces in north London. His place in the squad has come under fresh doubt this summer. This follows Arsenal’s move to sign Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United for £75million, a deal that has added real rivalry in central midfield. The Gunners have already sold one senior player this summer, agreeing a £17million move that sends Leandro Trossard to Besiktas.
Even so, Arsenal are not likely to sell Zubimendi on the cheap. As reported by football.london, any club hoping to sign him would need close to £77million. That price shows how key he has become under Mikel Arteta since he joined from Real Sociedad last year. Arsenal paid just above his £51million release clause to beat Madrid to the deal at the time.
That rise in value is about more than form. Zubimendi has become a first pick for Arteta in the biggest games, including the title run-in and the Champions League final. Selling him now, even for a big fee, would leave a gap in a spot Arsenal do not have an easy replacement for.
Zubimendi’s stats for the 2025-26 season at Arsenal,as per FOTMOB:
Competitions Matches Goals Assists Tackles Interceptions
Premier League 38 5 1 68 39
EFL Cup 3 1 0 4 2
UCL 13 0 2 14 10
FA Cup 3 0 0 3 2
Real Madrid and Chelsea eye a transfer chance
Real Madrid’s fresh interest comes at a time when the club looks set to miss out on Rodri. As reported by ESPN, the Manchester City man is now expected to join Barcelona instead. That has left Madrid short of options in midfield. Zubimendi’s calm style and range of passing make him a smart fit for a side that likes to build play through the middle of the pitch.
Chelsea are also said to be keeping tabs on the twenty-seven-year-old. New boss Xabi Alonso is thought to rate his composure under pressure. Alonso built his own career around that same style of Spanish football. His move to Chelsea may explain why the Blues have joined the race. Arsenal will hope neither London rival nor Madrid can match their price soon.
Arsenal FC
Arsenal FC
Zubimendi’s Arsenal season and what comes next
Martin Zubimendi played fifty-seven games in all competitions last season. Arsenal won the Premier League title and reached the Champions League final in that time. His reading of the game gave Arsenal a steady base in midfield through a long, hard campaign. His minutes dropped slightly in the final weeks, as Arteta rotated his squad more. On the pitch, his main job is to sit in front of the back four and keep the ball moving under pressure. That kind of quiet, controlled work is hard to replace, which is one reason Arsenal have set such a high price for him.
Fans will hope he stays fit and plays his part as Arsenal get set for the Community Shield against Manchester City. That game comes just before the first Premier League match of the new season, at home to Coventry City. Arsenal seem settled on their price for the Spain international . Whether Real Madrid or Chelsea will pay it should become clear before the window closes on September 1.
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