Just one year after letting him slip through their fingers, Real Madrid are circling Martin Zubimendi again. The question is: does it even matter?
The Spanish midfielder chose Arsenal over Los Blancos last summer. He then helped the Gunners win their first Premier League title in 22 years. And now, with Jose Mourinho freshly installed at the Bernabeu, Madrid reportedly want another crack at luring him back to La Liga.
It’s a bold move. But is it realistic?
Why Real Madrid Regret Missing Out
This saga has been simmering for over a year. When Xabi Alonso took charge at Madrid in May 2025, he pushed hard for Zubimendi. The two had overlapped at Real Sociedad, and Alonso saw the midfielder as a perfect fit.
But the timing was off. Arsenal had already sealed a deal worth around £60 million months earlier. Madrid never formally bid.
According to Fichajes, Madrid’s interest hasn’t cooled. The La Liga club still view Zubimendi as one of Spain’s most complete holding midfielders and are considering a move this summer.
Can you blame them? Look at what he did in his debut season at Arsenal:
- Appeared in all 38 Premier League matches — the only Arsenal outfield player to do so
- Scored five league goals and added one assist
- Formed a dominant partnership with Declan Rice
- Became just the second player in history to win the title and play every match in his first Premier League season, after Jens Lehmann in 2003/04
Those aren’t filler stats. That’s a midfielder who changed the spine of a title-winning team.
Mourinho’s Arrival Changes the Equation
Here’s where things get interesting. Mourinho was officially appointed Real Madrid manager on June 11, returning to the club on a three-year deal after a 13-year absence. He inherited a squad that finished a disappointing trophyless season under Alvaro Arbeloa.
Mourinho needs reinforcements. And reports from both Fichajes and The Hard Tackle suggest Zubimendi has caught his eye.
But would Mourinho even suit Zubimendi’s style? That’s debatable. Zubimendi thrives as a tempo-setting, possession-based midfielder. Mourinho’s teams have traditionally been built on defensive structure and quick transitions. It’s not an obvious match.
Still, every top manager wants elite players. And Zubimendi is exactly that.
Arsenal Aren’t Selling — And Zubimendi Isn’t Pushing
This is the part Madrid fans won’t want to hear.
Zubimendi has repeatedly played down the speculation. Speaking to Cadena SER earlier this season, he said of Madrid’s interest: “I don’t think so. Real Madrid has more than enough players to do well.”
In April, he told reporters he was “very happy” in London and focused entirely on competing for silverware with Arsenal. He even acknowledged the links weren’t necessarily a bad thing but made it clear he wasn’t looking to leave.
Arsenal’s position is equally firm. They invested heavily — roughly £60 million — to sign him. He’s under contract until 2030. He just helped deliver their first league title since 2004. Why would they entertain offers?
Every player has a price, of course. But Arsenal don’t need the money, and they don’t need to sell.
Could Madrid test that resolve with a massive bid? Sure. Would Arsenal blink? Almost certainly not.
The bottom line: Zubimendi is settled, successful, and central to Arteta’s project. Madrid had their chance last summer. They didn’t take it. And right now, all the leverage sits firmly in north London.
