Real Madrid Pursue Zubimendi as Mourinho Seeks Midfield Control

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

Journalist Graeme Bailey reports that the Arsenal midfielder has reappeared on Madrid’s shortlist, with Mourinho pushing for more experience and control at the base of his midfield. The Portuguese coach is said to view the Spaniard as an ideal fit for that brief.

Zubimendi arrived at the Emirates only last summer, a €65 million signing from Real Sociedad, and was widely expected to become one of Mikel Arteta’s central pillars for years to come. Arsenal sold him that vision. A long-term role, a defined place in the project, a key piece in a growing side.

Then came Bruno Guimaraes.

Arsenal’s decision to further reinforce the middle of the pitch with the Brazil international has shifted the landscape. Within Zubimendi’s camp, the questions have started: how central is he now? Does he still sit at the heart of Arteta’s plans, or has his role already begun to shrink just a year into his Premier League adventure?

Arsenal open the door – slightly

According to Bailey, conversations have already taken place between Arsenal and Zubimendi’s representatives. His entourage are weighing up the situation, sounding out the market, and testing how much room there is to move.

At 27, Zubimendi is understood to be concerned about his status in North London. This was supposed to be his prime, not a period of uncertainty.

Arsenal, for their part, are not slamming the door shut. The club are not actively pushing him out, but they are described as open to considering a “suitable” offer for the Spain international. No fire sale, no rush – but no guarantees either.

That stance has encouraged Real Madrid, long-term admirers of the midfielder, to probe whether a deal is genuinely attainable this summer.

Mourinho’s stamp of approval

Mourinho’s influence is central here. The new Madrid boss wants more authority in the holding role, a player who can dictate tempo, shield the back line and bring calm in high-pressure moments. Zubimendi ticks those boxes, and crucially, he is a profile Mourinho has reportedly endorsed personally.

Madrid’s interest is not new. The club have monitored him since his Real Sociedad days. What has changed is the timing and the manager. With Mourinho now on board and Arsenal’s midfield hierarchy shifting, the opportunity looks more realistic.

Reports suggest initial contact has already been made over the player’s situation. Sources close to the talks indicate that Zubimendi would be highly attracted by the chance to move to the Santiago Bernabeu – a step that would place him at the centre of one of Europe’s most demanding midfields.

The €65 million question

One major obstacle remains: Arsenal’s valuation.

The Gunners paid €65 million just a year ago. They are not expected to make his exit straightforward or cheap. Any club, Madrid included, will have to reckon with the fact that Arsenal will want to protect that investment, if not turn a profit.

Madrid must first establish what Arsenal’s asking price actually is, then decide whether they are willing to commit that level of money to a player who has only had one season in England and whose role has already come under scrutiny.

If Mourinho gets his way and the numbers align, Zubimendi’s next pass might not be at the Emirates – it might be in white, under the floodlights of the Bernabeu.