Real Madrid show strong interest in Martin Zubimendi for 2026 transfer
Spanish broadcaster Dani Garrido has revived talk of a potential move for Martin Zubimendi, urging Real Madrid to assess the Arsenal midfielder’s situation and suggesting his limited playing time in...
Spanish broadcaster Dani Garrido has revived talk of a potential move for Martin Zubimendi, urging Real Madrid to assess the Arsenal midfielder’s situation and suggesting his limited playing time in London could open a path back to La Liga.
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Martin Zubimendi transfer
Garrido, a presenter for Cadena SER, questioned Arsenal’s use of Zubimendi and told listeners Real Madrid should at least check the player’s price. “Having Zubimendi, for example, in London where he doesn’t play at all, absolutely nothing, zero minutes, and when he does play they put him at full-back… if I were Madrid, I’d ask the price,” Garrido said. He added: “Real Madrid should ask the price for Zubimendi because he doesn’t play at all at Arsenal and when they use him, they play him at full-back. He’s a perfect option for Mourinho.”
Those comments have drawn fresh attention to the midfielder’s role at the Emirates and to the broader question of whether a return to Spain could make sense for Zubimendi. The broadcaster’s view is framed as opinion rather than confirmation of negotiations; there is no indication that Real Madrid have opened formal talks with Arsenal.
Arsenal role and Zubimendi’s profile
Zubimendi joined Arsenal after establishing himself at Real Sociedad, where he earned a reputation as a technically proficient midfielder who can control possession, dictate tempo and provide defensive cover. The source reporting Garrido’s remarks notes those attributes are precisely why Zubimendi could be attractive to a club seeking midfield control and balance.
At Arsenal, however, the Spaniard has not established himself as an undisputed starter. According to Garrido’s broadcast comments, limited playing time and some appearances outside his preferred position have fuelled debate in Spain about whether Arsenal are making the best use of the player they signed to strengthen their midfield.
Why Real Madrid might consider Zubimendi
From the perspective Garrido outlined, Zubimendi’s combination of technical ability and defensive awareness suits clubs that value midfield structure. Those qualities are typically prized in La Liga and at elite clubs looking to dominate possession in central areas. Garrido suggested that if Zubimendi is not being used consistently in London, Madrid should at least evaluate the option.
It is important to stress the difference between opinion and fact: Garrido’s comments reflect a broadcaster’s assessment of how Zubimendi might fit at Real Madrid — and, notably, he referenced Mourinho by name when describing the player as an appealing option. The remarks do not indicate any confirmed interest or active pursuit by Real Madrid.
Arsenal’s likely stance and transfer considerations
Arsenal brought Zubimendi to the Premier League precisely to reinforce their midfield depth, so any potential approach would hinge on whether the club sees him as part of their medium- to long-term plans. Clubs rarely sanction departures for players they signed to strengthen a key area unless the prospect of selling fits squad planning or finances.
Real Madrid would need to determine Arsenal’s willingness to entertain offers before making a concrete approach. There are also sporting considerations: Arsenal’s manager and technical staff will weigh squad balance, injuries and fixtures before deciding whether to keep fighting for the player’s development within the current setup.
Context and precedent
Moves between the Premier League and La Liga are common, particularly when players seek more minutes or clubs look for tactical fits. Zubimendi’s prior success at Real Sociedad provides a Spanish footballing context familiar to La Liga clubs and to supporters who follow the technical midfielders emerging from the Basque side.
But transfer activity depends on many variables: form, fitness, squad needs, timing within the transfer window and financial considerations. Garrido’s suggestion may spur media discussion in Spain, but it does not by itself create a transfer process.
What Happens Next
If Zubimendi’s playing time at Arsenal remains limited, commentary like Garrido’s could escalate speculation and prompt formal checks from interested clubs. For now, the situation is one to monitor: Arsenal’s treatment of Zubimendi across competitions will be the clearest signal of his short-term future, while any concrete interest from Real Madrid would become verifiable only through official club statements or transfer-window reporting.
Until then, Garrido’s remarks stand as an invited opinion in Spanish media suggesting that a high-profile Spanish club should at least assess a player currently finding minutes hard to come by in London.
Source: Original report
