Martin Zubimendi Arsenal
Martin Zubimendi Arsenal
Martin Zubimendi reportedly wants to join Real Madrid as soon as possible, with his representatives said to be ready to push for a move ahead of the January window.
The Spain international arrived from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2025 for around £60m, after interest from Liverpool and Real Madrid. It was seen as a major coup for Arsenal, and he made a brilliant start to life at the club.
Things have changed since. Zubimendi ran out of steam towards the end of last season and was replaced in the first XI by Myles Lewis-Skelly, and he has not recovered from that setback.
Martin Zubimendi Real Madrid: what the report says
According to Spanish outlet Nacional, Zubimendi hopes his agents will secure him a move to Real Madrid, with the player keen for a deal to go through as soon as possible.
For that to move forward, his representatives would first have to confirm whether Real Madrid have concrete interest. Then it becomes an Arsenal decision, because the Gunners retain the ability to decide his future. A lack of playing time might push the player to explore other options, but it does not oblige the club to accept a departure.
It would also have to be determined whether any move could be structured as a transfer or through some other means.
Martin Zubimendi minutes at Arsenal: the numbers
The 27-year-old has only been a bit-part player this season, playing 197 minutes in his eight appearances across all competitions. That has fuelled the reports linking him with an exit, and Real Madrid are mooted as a possible destination.
That sharp drop in involvement is why the exit talk has stayed alive.
Should Arsenal sell Zubimendi?
Not everyone thinks they should. European football expert Andy Brassell has warned the club against letting him go, telling talkSPORT: “I think he could still be a success in the Premier League.”
Brassell pointed to the number of games Arsenal still hope to play this season, and called Zubimendi a trusted Rodri replacement for the national team, who did well in successive finals at Euro 2024 and the 2026 World Cup.
“I think it would be very short-sighted, especially when you look at the physical condition that Declan Rice finished the World Cup in,” Brassell added, saying it would be really short-sighted for Arsenal to get rid of him now.
That angle matters. Midfield depth is not something Arsenal should give away lightly, and with Declan Rice central to the plan and the injury to Bukayo Saka already costing the group an attacker, options matter.
Author opinion: why Arsenal should not rush
Zubimendi is not a player who has lost his quality, just his minutes. Arsenal hold all the cards, and with no concrete Real Madrid interest confirmed, there is no reason to rush. The situation remains fluid while Arsenal assess their midfield options for the rest of the campaign. Earlier this summer Real Madrid were linked with Arsenal’s midfield targets too.