Real Madrid renew interest in Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi as Rodri alternative

Real Madrid are revisiting their interest in Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi as they seek a solution to the weakness in central midfield exposed by their failure to sign Rodri.

The Spanish club’s problems were highlighted against Inter Milan, with the team lacking a player capable of controlling matches at the level offered by the Barcelona midfielder. According to Sport, Jose Mourinho’s side have struggled to impose themselves and have relied primarily on rapid transitions to give Vinicius, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham opportunities to finish attacks in the final third.

That approach has left Real Madrid vulnerable when opponents win possession and attack the space. Thibaut Courtois has spared the club more serious damage, while the team’s midfield options have failed to provide the same influence Rodri could have brought.

Real Madrid opted instead to focus on a more attack-minded player in Bernardo Silva, who had been rejected by Barcelona. Mourinho continues to use Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga to build play, but the trio are viewed as lacking Rodri’s particular quality.

The club consider controlling possession and creating attacks to be an unresolved issue. Arda Guler and Trent Alexander-Arnold could provide emergency solutions, although neither is regarded as able to offer what Rodri brings to the position.

As a result, Real Madrid have begun preparing for the winter transfer window, when they could address the problem by pursuing a player already linked with them during the summer. Zubimendi, who joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad, is now viewed as a potentially available option.

Zubimendi’s reduced role at Arsenal

Expectations in England that a move could be possible have grown because of Zubimendi’s reduced role under Mikel Arteta. The midfielder has started all five of Arsenal’s competitive matches this season from the substitutes’ bench.

His omission was particularly notable in the Champions League meeting with Napoli at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, when he played only eight minutes.

Zubimendi’s difficulties began before the current campaign. He was also among the substitutes for the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, eventually appearing in extra time. Despite consistently producing strong performances, Arteta has preferred other players in his position, a situation that could affect the former Real Sociedad player’s morale.

Real Madrid are also considering Zubimendi’s record with Spain. When Rodri suffered a serious injury, Zubimendi took charge of the national team’s midfield. He also played important roles in the second half of the Euro 2024 final and during extra time of the 2026 World Cup final.

Arsenal paid 70 million euros to sign him last season and gave him a contract running until 2030. His market value is expected to remain in a similar range, allowing Arsenal to recover its investment, while the fee would not be considered excessive for Real Madrid.

However, Zubimendi is expected to attract interest from several clubs. Chelsea, managed by Xabi Alonso, are among those interested. Alonso also considered signing him for his project when he was a candidate for the Real Madrid job, before Florentino Perez chose not to appoint him.