Arsenal Evaluates Martin Zubimendi’s Future Amidst Midfield Changes
Arsenal continues to assess the future of midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who moved to the club from Real Sociedad last summer amidst interest from Real Madrid. Zubimendi became a pivotal player for Arsenal under manager Mikel Arteta, contributing to their recent Premier League success.
Despite his contributions, Zubimendi found himself on the bench towards the end of the season and did not feature in the starting lineup for the Champions League final, possibly due to physical fatigue. This summer, Arsenal bolstered their midfield further by acquiring Bruno Guimarães for €87 million.
According to the English newspaper Mirror, Arsenal is remaining open to the possibility of Zubimendi’s departure. The arrival of Guimarães means Zubimendi could see fewer minutes on the pitch, prompting the club to consider a sale if an attractive offer is presented. The Gunners aim to prevent Zubimendi’s market value from diminishing due to lack of playing time, especially with the Community Shield match against Manchester City approaching.
In Spain, rumors suggest Real Madrid might revisit their interest in Zubimendi after missing out on Manchester City star Rodri, who opted for a move to Barcelona. Although Real Madrid publicly maintains they do not wish to sign a new midfielder, internal discussions are reportedly taking place about potential options, including Zubimendi.
Despite the speculation, it seems unlikely that Real Madrid will formally pursue a transfer for Zubimendi at this stage. With six midfielders vying for two positions in coach Jose Mourinho’s formation, a new signing might not fit into their immediate plans unless a current player departs. Meanwhile, Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, has previously expressed his support for Zubimendi, indicating that any potential exit will not happen without careful consideration.
Martin Zubimendi was a player that Real Madrid held an interest in last summer, but ended up moving to Arsenal from Real Sociedad.
The Spanish midfielder became an important player for Mikel Arteta during his first year in London, playing a role part in their Premier League triumph.
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However, he finished the season as a substitute and was even left out of the starting lineup for the Champions League final, perhaps because of physical fatigue.
This summer, Arsenal have also strengthened their midfield by signing Bruno Guimarães for €87 million.
Arsenal reassessing Zubimendi’s situation
According to the English newspaper Mirror (h/t AS), Arsenal are not closing the door on a departure for Zubimendi and are keeping an open mind regarding his future.
Arsenal open to sale. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
Arsenal know that the Spaniard will have fewer minutes following the arrival of the Brazilian and would not rule out selling the midfielder if a good offer arrives.
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The Gunners do not want Zubimendi’s value to decline if he fails to get enough playing time during the season, which begins this Sunday with the Community Shield final against Manchester City.
Real Madrid move back on?
There have been murmurs in Spain that Real Madrid could revisit their interest in Zubimendi this summer, especially after missing out on the signing of Manchester City superstar Rodri.
Indeed, the 30-year-old World Cup winner was the priority target, but has chosen to join Barcelona instead.
Will Real Madrid make a move? (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
While the public stance is that Real Madrid do not wish to sign a new midfielder, options are being discussed internally, with Zubimendi’s name also having been assessed.
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However, despite Arsenal not ruling out an exit for the Spain international, it appears unlikely that Real Madrid are considering a move for him as things stand.
Jose Mourinho has six midfielders contesting for two pivot midfield spots in his 4-2-3-1 setup, and unless there is an exit, a move for a new player seems out of the question.
Moreover, despite the club board being open to his sale, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta backed Zubimendi a year ago and will not make his departure easy.
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