Real Madrid are weighing up a January transfer move for Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi, according to reports coming out of Spain.
Spanish outlet Sport reports that Real Madrid have begun preparing for the winter window and view Zubimendi as a solution to their midfield needs.
The Spaniard was already on Real Madrid’s radar during the summer and is now considered a potential market opportunity following a slow start to the new season.
Zubimendi has not started any of Arsenal’s first five competitive matches this season, representing a dramatic fall from his position as a key first-team player.
Real Madrid’s interest has been sharpened by the midfielder’s reduced role, with the Spanish club now actively assessing their possible January business.
Chelsea, now managed by Xabi Alonso, have also been credited with potential interest in the 25-year-old Spanish international.
The situation is a stark contrast to Zubimendi’s first season in north London, where he started 34 Premier League matches and made 13 appearances in the Champions League as Arsenal won the title and reached the Champions League final.
His form dipped during the closing months of that campaign, with suggestions that Zubimendi, accustomed to the winter break in Spanish football, looked exhausted during his first season without one.
Myles Lewis-Skelly was handed his first midfield start against Fulham late last season before moving ahead of Zubimendi for Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final and final appearances.
That shift has carried into the new campaign, with Lewis-Skelly starting league matches alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard while Zubimendi has featured only from the bench.
Arsenal, however, hold a strong negotiating position and are under no pressure whatsoever to entertain offers for a player they consider central to their long-term plans.
The club paid €60 million to sign Zubimendi and his value has since risen to €75 million, with his contract running until 2030, giving Arsenal every reason to hold firm.
