Arsenal star responds to claims he can 'save' Real Madrid

Spain international Martin Zubimendi has played down the suggestion that Real Madrid required a player of his skillset, insisting that Los Blancos' squad was good enough as it is.

Before Zubimendi’s move to Arsenal from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2025, he had been widely linked with interest from Real Madrid, particularly after Xabi Alonso was appointed as Madrid’s manager. 

Reports in Spanish media suggested that Alonso saw Zubimendi as a key midfield target, valuing his deep-lying playmaking and ball progression, qualities that would have strengthened Madrid’s midfield options.

However, Real Madrid’s hierarchy, including president Florentino Pérez, ultimately opted not to pursue the signing even as his profile rose, with some outlets reporting that Madrid’s recruitment structure did not prioritise activating Zubimendi’s €60 million release clause and instead backed existing midfield assets such as Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga. 

Arsenal secured a pre-agreement by matching the release clause and negotiating structured payments, eventually completing the transfer on a five-year contract 

Zubimendi has proved an excellent addition to Mikel Arteta’s side, as his presence is contributing to what could be an end to Arsenal’s Premier League trophy drought in the Premier League. 

Arsenal lead the way in the English top flight, with a six-point gap at the top. They are also excelling in domestic and continental cup competitions. On Tuesday night, they completed a 4-2 aggregate victory against London rivals, Chelsea, to reach the EFL Cup final. 

After the match, Zubimendi, who played the duration of the contest, was asked about the suggestion that he could help solve Real Madrid’s midfield problems. “I don’t think so. Madrid has more than enough players to do well. No way, no way,” he told Cadena SER.