Mourinho Approves Zubimendi Move for Real Madrid

José Mourinho has reportedly opened the door for Real Madrid to move for one of Arsenal’s headline names – Martín Zubimendi – as the Spanish giants reshape their midfield plans this summer.

The Portuguese coach, now in charge at the Bernabéu, has, according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, given his approval for Los Blancos to go after the 27-year-old, who only joined Arsenal last year.

Zubimendi back on Madrid’s radar

Zubimendi’s name is not new in Madrid’s offices. He was strongly linked with Real Madrid last summer, just as Xabi Alonso took over, before choosing Arsenal instead in a deal worth 65 million euros to the Gunners.

That move was supposed to be the next big step in his career. A year on, the picture looks very different.

The midfielder has seen his influence at Arsenal fade, losing much of his standing in Mikel Arteta’s squad. That drop in status has prompted his representatives to explore the market and quietly test the possibility of an exit after just one season in north London.

Madrid’s need has brought him straight back into focus. After Rodri rejected a move to the Spanish capital, Zubimendi has re-emerged as a serious option to bolster Mourinho’s midfield.

Mourinho says yes – but Madrid must sell

Mundo Deportivo reports that Mourinho has been clear with the club hierarchy: Zubimendi is a player he wants and a deal he is ready to sign off on. The coach is still pushing for a creative presence in the middle of the park and views the Arsenal man as a solution.

The operation, though, is far from straightforward.

Arsenal are open to letting Zubimendi leave, but only on their terms. They paid 65 million euros to bring him in last year, and any offer from Madrid would have to exceed that figure. The London club are not interested in taking a loss on a player still in his prime.

Then comes the second obstacle, and it may be the bigger one from Madrid’s perspective: someone has to go.

Real Madrid have already made it clear internally that there will be no further signings unless a current squad member is moved on. The wage bill and squad size are at their limit, and any Zubimendi deal would require an outgoing transfer to create both space and funds.

So the situation hangs in the balance. Mourinho has pressed the button. Arsenal are listening, at the right price. Zubimendi’s camp is weighing up a future that suddenly looks wide open.

Now it comes down to Madrid: who leaves, and how badly do they want him?