Arsenal
Martin Zubimendi is once again the centre of transfer talk. Real Madrid have reportedly received the green light to move for him this summer. Doubts are growing over his long-term role at Arsenal, as per the latest transfer news.
Martin Zubimendi-Real Madrid Talks Take Shape
Real Madrid boss has reportedly approved a serious push for the player. As reported by TEAMtalk, talks have already begun between the two clubs. The Gunners appear open to a sale, but only if the right offer lands. It looks like a genuine step towards a formal bid.
Real Madrid have long admired him. Their interest had cooled only because Rodri once looked like their top target. That changed once the Spain international edged toward a switch to Barcelona. That has pushed the Spanish giants straight back towards Martin Zubimendi. He is now their preferred alternative. Arsenal won that race a year ago too.
Mourinho reportedly wants more experience in the deep midfield role. The Basque international fits that description well. Contact has already been made with his camp. He is said to want a return to Spanish football. He also won the World Cup with Spain this summer, which has boosted his reputation further.
Martin Zubimendi for Arsenal in 2025/26, as per FOTMOB:
Competitions Matches Starts Goals Assists
Premier League 38 34 5 1
FA Cup 3 0 0 0
EFL Cup 3 3 1 0
UCL 13 11 0 2
Why an Arsenal Exit Looks Possible
Martin Zubimendi joined the Gunners from Real Sociedad for a fee close to €65 million. He settled quickly into Mikel Arteta’s system last year. Still, his starts dipped sharply late in the campaign, and Myles Lewis-Skelly got the nod for the Champions League final instead. Even so, he made fifty-seven appearances in his first year, showing genuine trust from Arteta.
The recent arrival of Bruno Guimaraes has added fresh competition for places. That has reportedly left people around him feeling uneasy. Reports also suggest Chelsea have shown interest in a move. That shows just how highly he is rated across the Premier League. Central midfield spots are hard to find there now, with Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard also key men.
Arsenal are not actively trying to sell him. But insiders say the club would still listen to offers. The club is not treating him as untouchable. That stance alone has convinced Real Madrid the deal is worth chasing. Sources close to the Emirates say the club would rather keep him, though a big offer could change that.
ArsenalArsenal
What Happens Next For Martin Zubimendi
Much depends on the price Arsenal set. It also depends on whether Real Madrid will meet it. Earlier reports put a figure near €90 million on his head. That price tag is meant to deter rival clubs. That would mark a big profit on the roughly €65 million Arsenal paid his old club for him.
There is also a wider plan taking shape in Madrid. Signing him could help smooth the exit of Eduardo Camavinga. The Frenchman has reportedly been told he no longer fits the midfield rebuild. That link makes the pursuit feel more serious than a passing rumour. It also fits Mourinho’s plan for fresh legs after a tough run in Europe.
For now, Martin Zubimendi remains an Arsenal player. No formal bid has landed just yet. Still, his camp is reportedly open to the move. Real Madrid are pushing hard again too. This transfer saga looks far from finished. Fans on both sides will be watching closely as the window nears its end.
Read More: Viktor Gyokeres emerges as surprise Barcelona target
Also Read: Jarell Quansah: Arsenal open talks over summer transfer
Read Next: Mikel Arteta breaks silence on Arsenal contract future