Midfielders who cost more than sixty million euros do not sit for long before Spain starts ringing. A year after the signing, the same club that lost him wants another look.
Barely playing in September is not the same as being available. It is how a window of opportunity gets written.
€70million for a player bought at €65million is a small profit and a big admission. Title-winning squads do not usually admit that in winter.
READ MORE: Fabrizio Romano claims deal close as two European giants eye Arsenal star
Siempre Madrid claim Arsenal are prepared to sell Martin Zubimendi to Real Madrid in January. The Spain midfielder joined from Real Sociedad in 2025. He has barely featured this season and is said to be considering his future in north London.
Real Madrid missed Enzo Fernández and Rodri in the summer and did not sign a dedicated replacement for Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. José Mourinho has used Bernardo Silva deeper. The report says they still want a midfield general and see Zubimendi as the profile.
There are no quotes from Arteta, Zubimendi or the Bernabéu. It is a Spanish outlet briefing plus a fee. Treat it as rumour until a bid exists.
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The minutes are the only hard fact. Zubimendi was on the bench at Sunderland and came on late for Declan Rice. Bruno Guimaraes, signed for £75million, is now scoring and starting. Martin Odegaard is captain and in form. Rice remains the constant. That is a midfield queue, not a vacancy.
We understand any deal would have to be around £100million if Arsenal are to lose Zubimendi mid-season. The club will want to make a profit on the Spaniard.
Arsenal would be selling a year after paying €65million and after winning the league. A €35million markup represents good business but we understand Mikel Arteta still deems the player as very important to his project. The same week Fabrizio Romano says the manager’s own new contract is very close.
Madrid’s form is listed as five wins from six, with control issues against Inter and Rayo Vallecano. That is their problem. Arsenal’s problem, if the briefing is right, is a expensive sitting midfielder who can walk back to La Liga for a profit.
January is months away. Guimaraes, Rice and Odegaard would have to stay fit and first-choice for this to gather pace. €100million is the number. The football will decide if it is ever asked.
Fabrizio Romano
Fabrizio Romano
Arsenal