Real Madrid Target Martin Zubimendi Amid Arsenal Uncertainty

Real Madrid have circled back to Martin Zubimendi – and this time, Jose Mourinho is firmly behind the move.

The Arsenal midfielder, who arrived in north London only last summer in a €65 million deal from Real Sociedad, has reportedly reappeared on Madrid’s shortlist as Mourinho looks to harden the spine of his new side and inject more control into the heart of midfield.

From cornerstone to question mark

When Zubimendi walked into the Emirates, the plan felt clear. Mikel Arteta saw him as a central pillar for the next phase of his project, a refined holding midfielder to knit together Arsenal’s passing game and offer security in front of the back line.

Then came Bruno Guimaraes.

Arsenal’s decision to further reinforce in midfield with the Brazilian has altered the landscape. Inside Zubimendi’s camp, the questions have started: what does his long-term role look like now? Is he still as central to Arteta’s plans as he was told a year ago?

According to Graeme Bailey, those doubts have already triggered conversations. Zubimendi’s representatives are understood to be sounding out the market, weighing up what options might be on the table if his status at Arsenal continues to shift.

Arsenal open the door – slightly

Crucially, Arsenal are not slamming that door shut.

The club are not actively pushing Zubimendi towards an exit, but they are prepared to listen. If the right offer lands on the table, the Spain international will not be considered untouchable.

That nuance matters for Real Madrid. They have admired Zubimendi for a long time, tracking his rise at Real Sociedad before Arsenal pounced. Now, with his situation no longer entirely settled in north London, the Spanish giants sense a potential opening and are exploring whether a deal is realistic.

The major obstacle is obvious: price. Arsenal paid €65 million just a year ago. They are unlikely to entertain a cut-price sale or make his departure straightforward after such a significant outlay.

Mourinho’s stamp of approval

Inside Madrid, Mourinho’s stance could shift the dynamics. The Portuguese coach wants more authority and experience at the base of midfield, a reliable organiser who can dictate tempo and shield the defence. Zubimendi fits that brief.

Real Madrid’s interest predates Mourinho’s arrival, but his approval gives the pursuit fresh weight. According to the report, contact has already been made over the midfielder, and sources close to the situation suggest Zubimendi would be highly interested in a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

For the player, the prospect is obvious: a return to Spain, a leading role at one of the world’s biggest clubs, and the chance to anchor Mourinho’s midfield.

For Madrid, the next step is less romantic and more ruthless. They must establish Arsenal’s asking price and decide whether they are willing to pay a Premier League premium for a player who has been in England for just one season.

If they are, Zubimendi’s brief chapter at the Emirates may already be edging towards its final pages.