Mourinho backs Real Madrid plan to bring Arsenal midfielder Zubimendi back into their midfield

Jose Mourinho has given Real Madrid the go-ahead to pursue Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi during the current summer transfer window, according to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo.

The 27-year-old has returned prominently to Real Madrid’s plans after the club’s attempt to sign Rodri was rejected. Mourinho is understood to be keen to strengthen his midfield with a creative player and has approved a potential move for Zubimendi.

Real Madrid had previously been strongly linked with the Spain international last summer. Those reports coincided with Xabi Alonso taking charge of the club, although Zubimendi ultimately chose to leave for Arsenal instead.

The midfielder is now back on the Spanish club’s agenda, with Mourinho authorising Real Madrid to explore the possibility of completing a deal before the end of the current transfer window.

Arsenal are reportedly willing to consider Zubimendi’s departure, but only if they receive an offer that reflects the investment they made in him. The London club paid 65m euros to sign the player last year, meaning Real Madrid would need to propose a fee above that figure.

Mundo Deportivo says Zubimendi’s representatives are reviewing his situation at Arsenal and assessing whether a move away from the club would be possible. The midfielder is reported to have lost much of his importance within Arsenal’s team, prompting his camp to examine the options available to him.

Any agreement, however, would depend first on Arsenal’s financial demands. Real Madrid would also need to make room in their current squad before the transfer could progress.

The club has already made clear that it will not complete any more signings unless at least one existing player leaves. As a result, a deal for Zubimendi is dependent not only on whether Real Madrid can satisfy Arsenal’s asking price, but also on the club’s ability to move on a member of its current squad.

Mourinho continues to push for the addition of a creative midfielder and has approved Zubimendi as a suitable target. The next steps will therefore be shaped by Arsenal’s valuation and Real Madrid’s squad-management plans.

Zubimendi’s name first became closely associated with Real Madrid during the previous summer, but the move did not materialise and he instead joined Arsenal. His situation has now changed again, with the Spanish club renewing its interest after Rodri declined a move and Mourinho signalling his support for the proposed transfer.