Zubimendi is back in Real Madrid’s thoughts. Arsenal are willing to sell Martín Zubimendi after signing Bruno Guimarães, and Chelsea have entered the race for the Spain midfielder, according to TEAMtalk — a report carried by Madrid Universal and by Bernabéu Digital. Los Blancos, those reports say, are watching closely.
Why Zubimendi is suddenly available
The Gunners’ move for Guimarães is said to have changed the picture in north London, and Arsenal are asking €90million. Chelsea’s push is being driven by Xabi Alonso, who tried to sign Zubimendi while he was Real Madrid head coach before leaving the Bernabéu in January 2026 — and it is that interest, more than anything, that has Madrid paying attention.
The Zubimendi problem: price and a full squad
That €90m valuation is the obstacle. Madrid have been here before this summer: Manchester City wanted around €70m for Rodri, the club hesitated and Barcelona were left with a clear run — though Rodri’s own situation has since taken another turn. A bigger fee for Zubimendi is a harder sell still.
There is a squad-list issue too. All 25 of Madrid’s LaLiga places are now filled, so any new arrival would need an exit or a long-term injury first. Kees Smit is named as a cheaper alternative Madrid have looked at, but the report stresses nothing is concrete.
The upshot: no move is planned unless the picture changes dramatically before the window shuts on 31 August. José Mourinho would still like a controller for his midfield and Zubimendi fits the profile — but at €90m, with the squad list full, this is a name Madrid monitor rather than one they sign.
