Arsenal are open to selling Martin Zubimendi to Real Madrid, but only for an exorbitant fee, according to reports. The Gunners have no desire to part with the 27-year-old midfielder this month, and Mikel Arteta intends to keep him in the squad for the 2026-27 season. However, the club's stance is that every player has his price.
Real Madrid interest and divided opinion
Real Madrid are interested in signing Zubimendi, whose contract at the Emirates Stadium runs until June 2030. It is understood that senior figures at the Bernabeu are divided on the prospect of pursuing the Spain international.
Last year, Arsenal resisted interest from Liverpool and Los Blancos to capture Zubimendi. The Gunners paid slightly more than £51 million to extract him from Real Sociedad, so a significant profit would be required to get him away from the north London club.
Zubimendi's journey to Arsenal
Zubimendi had been on Arsenal's watchlist for some time. The Gunners contemplated launching a bid for the midfielder during the summer of 2024, alongside the acquisition of Mikel Merino, but Real Sociedad were unwilling to part with two significant figures in the same transfer window, which prevented a move to Liverpool.
Consequently, Arsenal remained in dialogue with the Spanish club, maintained a solid relationship, and returned to complete a deal the following year. When Arteta finally secured Zubimendi, he described him as a 'key player'.
Reactions to the signing
"Martin is a player who will bring a huge amount of quality and football intelligence to our team," said the Gunners boss. "He will fit in really well, and he has all the attributes to be a key player for us."
"The standard he has consistently performed at over the last few seasons for both club and country is exactly why we are so excited to have him with us. We all welcome Martin and his family to the club."
Zubimendi's debut season
Zubimendi made 57 appearances across all competitions during his maiden campaign, netting six goals and recording three assists. While the Spaniard endured a difficult end to the season, dropping out of the starting XI, he contributed to Arsenal's first Premier League title in over two decades and helped them reach the Champions League final.
