Real Madrid are reportedly considering a surprise swoop for Arsenal's Martin Zubimendi, 12 months after failing to hijack the midfielder's move to the Premier League champions.
Zubimendi's journey to Arsenal
Zubimendi was courted by several of Europe's elite during his time at Real Sociedad, with Liverpool coming close to signing the 27-year-old in the summer of 2024. The player had a late change of heart and chose to stay in Spain before moving to Arsenal during last summer's transfer window, despite late interest from Real Madrid.
The playmaker featured in all 38 Premier League matches in his maiden season as a Gunner, helping the club win their first league title in more than 20 years.
Renewed interest and financial constraints
With Arsenal splashing out £75 million on Bruno Guimaraes to further strengthen their midfield options, The Sun claims Real are ready to rekindle their interest in Zubimendi.
Whether Zubimendi is attainable is another matter, with Mikel Arteta known to be a huge fan of the midfielder. It is thought, though, that Arsenal will have to sell if they are to give themselves the financial flexibility in the transfer market to 'level up' the team that almost completed the double last year after reaching the Champions League final, as per Arteta's wishes. That could leave them with some difficult decisions to make in terms of outgoings.
Other outgoings and Real's midfield search
It emerged on Tuesday that another highly regarded player, Myles Lewis-Skelly, has been offered to Chelsea and Manchester United. It is currently unclear if Arsenal's London rivals will make a move for the 19-year-old Hale End graduate, though United are not expected to.
Real Madrid's need for a midfielder is nothing new, and they were previously believed to be the frontrunners to sign Rodri, with the Manchester City star open to a return to Spain this summer. The 30-year-old has entered the final year of his contract at the Etihad, and the former Ballon d'Or winner was viewed as the ideal fit for the midfielder Jose Mourinho wants this summer.
But Real are now said to be behind Barcelona in the race for Rodri's services, even though their arch-rivals have seen an opening bid for the player turned down by City.
