27yo Arsenal star drawing attention from Spain, Gunners want £77m
Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi is attracting interest from Spain, according to BBC Sport journalist Sami Mokbel.
The Spain international signed for the Gunners from Real Sociedad for around £60 million last summer, and had a good start to the 2025/26 campaign.
However, the 27-year-old struggled with form and performance issues in the second half of the season and was eventually dropped to the bench in May.
Myles Lewis-Skelly was preferred to partner Declan Rice in the closing stages of the Premier League season. The Arsenal graduate was also picked in the starting XI for the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest.
With Bruno Guimaraes’ arrival this summer, Zubimendi’s future has become a topic of speculation and Mokbel claims that he is attracting interest from Spain.
Real Madrid could emerge as possible destination for Zubimendi
Zubimendi was a prime target for Real Madrid under former manager Xabi Alonso last summer. However, Arsenal were in pole position and struck a verbal deal with Sociedad.
The Spaniard had a brilliant three-quarters of the season with the Gunners, but looked jaded during the final run-in, which contributed to Lewis-Skelly partnering Rice in central midfield.
With Guimaraes joining the Gunners, Zubimendi’s playing time may not improve. The former Newcastle United captain is widely expected to accompany Rice in the centre of the park.
Rice could be rested in some league games due to neural hamstring pain, but Zubimendi faces plenty of competition with the presence of Lewis-Skelly and compatriot Mikel Merino.
Hence, it won’t come as a surprise if Zubimendi considers a new challenge. A return to Spain with Sociedad is unlikely as Arsenal would not entertain a season-long loan deal.
Sociedad have never spent more than £17 million on a player. The more likely possibility would be Madrid, who may seek a proper alternative after Manchester City star Rodri snubbed them.
Rodri has his sights set on joining Barcelona. The La Liga champions have yet to secure a suitable agreement with the Cityzens, but there is optimism that a transfer will go through eventually.
Madrid manager Jose Mourinho already has an elite defensive midfielder in Aurelien Tchouameni, but probably wants another marquee signing to complement the Frenchman for the new season.
Zubimendi’s main strength is his control in possession, and he would be a good Rodri alternative for Los Blancos. Given their prior interest, it won’t be surprising if they make a renewed approach soon.
Arsenal have set an asking price of £77 million for the 27-year-old. Madrid may not be alone in the player’s pursuit, and Chelsea could emerge as potential competitors for the World Cup winner.
Chelsea have given Manchester City a deadline until 5pm today to make an offer for Enzo Fernandez. If a deal materialises, new manager Alonso could push for a reunion with Zubimendi this summer.
The 44-year-old tactician previously managed Zubimendi at Sociedad B and wanted to bring him to Madrid. With his close bond to the player, the Blues could lodge an offer if Fernandez leaves.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
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