La Liga giants Real Madrid are reportedly ready to reignite their interest in Arsenal midfielder Martín Zubimendi.
Real Madrid Ready to Test Arsenal’s Resolve with Mega Zubimendi Bid
The Spanish champions have been dealt a significant blow on the transfer front this week after Manchester City standout Rodri decided to join arch-rivals Barcelona, leaving Jose Mourinho’s side without their desired reinforcement at the base of midfield.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the arrival of Bruno Guimarães at Arsenal has thrown Zubimendi’s future in north London into serious doubt.
The Brazilian’s £75 million move to the Premier League champions creates fierce competition in Mikel Arteta’s engine room, potentially opening the door for the Spanish international to seek an exit just one year after arriving from Real Sociedad.
Real Madrid’s interest in Zubimendi is nothing new. The Bernabéu brass actively pursued the midfielder last summer before he completed his €70 million switch to Arsenal.
The club moved too late in that window, as Zubimendi had already committed his future to the Gunners. Now, with Rodri off the table, Los Blancos view the 27-year-old as a viable alternative to strengthen their midfield ranks.
However, any deal would prove extremely complicated. Arsenal have no financial need to sell, with Zubimendi still having four years remaining on his contract.
The Premier League champions would demand at least €90 million to even begin negotiations a figure that would make Zubimendi a more expensive investment than Rodri.
Zubimendi started last season as a key figure for Arsenal, but a knee injury hampered his progression and he lost prominence during the second half of the campaign.
The Spanish giants also face competition from Chelsea, where manager Xabi Alonso who previously tried to bring Zubimendi to Real Madrid remains a strong admirer of the midfielder’s qualities.
With the transfer window still open, what initially seemed a closed market for Real Madrid could yet produce one final, significant move.
