Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid manager
Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images
Martin Zubimendi may have recently returned to the Real Madrid transfer conversation, but Jose Mourinho has not asked the club to sign the Arsenal midfielder.
According to Mario Penalver, sources close to Mourinho have denied claims that the Real Madrid manager is pushing for a move for Zubimendi.
The update comes after reports from England suggested that the Spain international was back on Real Madrid’s radar and that Mourinho was a strong supporter of a potential transfer.
However, Penalver’s information directly contradicts that version of events.
Zubimendi linked amid Arsenal uncertainty
Zubimendi has found himself at the centre of transfer speculation following Arsenal’s decision to sign Bruno Guimaraes.
Martin Zubimendi #18 of Spain
Zubimendi is reportedly back on Real Madrid’s shortlist. (Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images)
The arrival of another high-profile midfielder has created some uncertainty around Zubimendi’s role in Mikel Arteta’s plans.
After joining Arsenal from Real Sociedad last summer, the Spaniard expected to be an important part of the project, but the changing midfield picture has raised questions about his position.
Reports have suggested that discussions have taken place as Zubimendi’s camp assesses the situation and considers the options available.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are not believed to be actively looking to sell the midfielder. However, the club could consider an appropriate proposal rather than treating him as completely untouchable.
That situation naturally brought Real Madrid back into the conversation, particularly after recent reports suggested Los Blancos could still sign a midfielder before the transfer window closes.
Previous Mourinho claim now directly challenged
Mourinho has not requested for the signing of Martin Zubimendi. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
Earlier reports had claimed that Mourinho was keen on Zubimendi and viewed the 27-year-old as a suitable addition to his midfield.
That claim has now been challenged, as people close to Mourinho insist that the Portuguese coach has not requested the signing of Zubimendi.
For what it is worth, though, this does not necessarily rule out Real Madrid’s interest in signing a new midfielder.
There is an important distinction between the club monitoring a player and Mourinho personally asking for his signing.
At present, though, there appears to be no evidence that the Real Madrid manager is pushing for Zubimendi.
Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid manager
Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images
Real Madrid’s summer business may not be over yet.
Despite already bringing in six new players and previously appearing ready to close their midfield search, the possibility of another signing remains alive.
According to Josep Pedrerol (h/t Madrid Zone), if Real Madrid make one more addition before the transfer window closes, it is expected to be a midfielder.
However, any potential move would depend heavily on departures, as Real Madrid’s current squad is already packed, and without creating space, the club would struggle to accommodate another new arrival.
Rodri setback reopened questions
For much of the summer, Real Madrid were linked with the search for a midfielder capable of organising play from deeper areas.
Rodri was seen as the standout target, but Los Blancos eventually decided not to pursue the Spain international. The World Cup winner instead moved to Barcelona, bringing an end to Real Madrid’s interest.
That appeared to settle the issue.
Jose Mourinho, head coach of Real Madrid
Real Madrid are still open to signing a new midfielder. (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images)
Real Madrid were said to be satisfied with the midfield options already available to Jose Mourinho and did not see an urgent need to enter the market again.
But Pedrerol’s latest information suggests the door has not been completely closed.
If the right circumstances emerge, Real Madrid could still revisit the idea of adding another midfielder before the window shuts.
However, the problem is not identifying a target – it is finding room in the squad.
With six signings already completed, Real Madrid cannot continue adding players without first reducing the number of available options.
Hence, a departure would be the first step before any new operation could realistically move forward.
Zubimendi remains an option
Martin Zubimendi, Arsenal player
Zubimendi is back on Real Madrid’s radar. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
On that note, Martin Zubimendi is one name that has returned to the Real Madrid conversation in recent weeks.
The Arsenal midfielder has attracted Mourinho’s attention, with the Portuguese coach said to be a strong admirer of the Spanish international.
Arsenal are not believed to be actively pushing Zubimendi towards the exit. However, reports suggest they would be willing to consider an appropriate offer rather than completely ruling out a sale.
That could potentially open a door for Real Madrid, but the bigger obstacle remains closer to home.
Eduardo Camavinga has been linked with a possible departure, but there is currently no indication that the Frenchman wants to leave.
The same applies to the rest of the squad, and unless that changes, Mourinho will have to work with the midfielders already at his disposal.