Martin Zubimendi has become one of the most promising midfielders in Spanish and world football. Real Madrid is making efforts to sign him for next season to strengthen a midfield that lacks leadership. He is Xabi Alonso‘s favorite, but the club is late to the party, and everything indicates that his arrival at Arsenal will be made official in July.
Real Madrid’s interest in Zubimendi
Real Madrid has had Zubimendi on its radar for a couple of seasons. However, his signing was ruled out this year, as the club’s management did not consider him capable of taking charge of a midfield as heavy as Real Madrid’s. However, in recent months, interest has been rekindled for two reasons: the first is that the player has exploded with Real Sociedad, and the second is Xabi Alonso, who wants the player. For his part, the player is greatly attracted by the prospect of playing under the San Sebastian coach, who has been his childhood idol, and the chance to play for a club like Real Madrid is an opportunity that may never come again.
Real Madrid is late to the party
However, the Chamartín team has taken too long to make a move for the Spanish international. Although they are still pushing to turn the situation around, the player’s future appears to lie in the Premier League, at Arsenal. The London club has remained calm in the face of reports that could see the player move to the Spanish capital. Sources close to the club have hinted that there is a preliminary agreement between all parties for the transfer, and the final step will be the signing of the contract, which will take place on July 1, when the 2025-2026 season officially begins.
The search for a midfielder
Real Madrid needs to sign a midfielder for next season, someone who can organize and make the team play, with clarity when it comes to getting the ball out of the back, and at the same time, who is defensively solid. The market is complicated for a board that is considering options that would involve a financial outlay that they are not willing to make, such as Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernández, players from Liverpool and Chelsea, whose price would be over €100 million.
Another option that is back on the table is Angelo Stiller: the German midfielder was heavily linked with the club a few weeks ago, but the situation has cooled down. However, after the first match of the Club World Cup, interest has been reignited. His price tag is around €50 million, but Real Madrid would have to pay the full release clause to sign him. The new “Toni Kroos,” as he is nicknamed in Germany, has put any talks about his future on hold while he waits for Real Madrid.
While the signing of Martin Zubimendi seems to be fading away, Real Madrid is forced to look for other options to strengthen its midfield. It will not be an easy summer in the Valdebebas offices, as they are looking for a player who is scarce on the market, who can carry the weight of the shirt, and who can meet Real Madrid’s requirements. But it is clear that they need to find the right player, no matter what.