REUTERS/Andrew Boyers
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho is supposedly pushing the La Liga giants to swoop for Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi, in what would be a head-turning move at the end of the transfer window.
The 27-year-old only arrived at the Emirates Stadium in a £55million move from Real Sociedad last season. Zubimendi's first season in North London was an undoubted success, playing more than 4,000 minutes across 57 appearances as he helped the side to the Premier League title.
The Spaniard is known for doing the not-so-glamorous work in the centre of the park, but still chipped in with a solid six goals and three assists from defensive midfield. However, that does not necessarily mean that Arsenal should block all transfer offers.
Real Madrid interested in Arsenal midfielder
Via Reuters
In a report, TEAMtalk claims that Real Madrid have already held discussions with Arsenal and that the player's representatives are weighing up opportunities away from London. It's added that the Gunners are open to selling Zubimendi, despite the midfielder having another four years left on his contract.
Real Madrid are said to be long-term admirers of Zubimendi, who was thoroughly impressive in La Liga with Real Sociedad. The player has made 180 appearances in the Spanish top flight.
The Galacticos are set to miss out on the signing of Manchester City man Rodri, who will sign for fierce rivals Barcelona, and are looking for an extra body in the centre of the park to allow Eduardo Camavinga to leave.
Martin Zubimendi offers Arsenal unique profile
Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra
Ultimately, Arsenal must not fight to sell Zubimendi. The Spaniard was a key cog in the title-winning machine last season and brings a calmness to proceedings. The player is only going to improve over the upcoming campaign, having now adjusted to the football and life in England.
It's easy to understand where the transfer speculation comes from. Myles Lewis-Skelly had been preferred in midfield towards the end of last season and the marquee arrival of Bruno Guimaraes provides serious competition for Zubimendi.
Zubimendi was only handed a cameo off the bench against Manchester City in the Community Shield and will face a tougher fight to get into the side over the upcoming season.
Martin Zubimendi 2025/26 statistics
Appearances 57
Minutes 4,299
Goals 6
Assists 3
Yellow Cards 8
However, the player offers Arteta and Arsenal a different profile to that of Guimaraes, Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze, Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard. Zubimendi is a more conservative and cautious option - the only similar profile at the club was Christian Norgaard, who has left for Everton this summer.
That is not to say that Arsenal must hang up on any calls that come in for Zubimendi, should Mourinho be truly interested in bringing the player back to Spain. Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo claim that the Gunners have slapped a £77million price tag on the star.
That's a loftier fee than the £65million sum Manchester City have pocketed for Ballon d'Or winner Rodri. Should Real Madrid come with an offer around that ballpark, given the number of options in midfield, Arsenal must consider a sale, but are in a position to call the shots.