Arsenal complicates Real Madrid's plans
The mernegue team could lose one of their main targets for the midfield.
Arsenal has communicated that they have no intention of negotiating the departure of midfielder Martín Zubimendi in January. A tough blow for Real Madrid's transfer market, as they saw the Spanish player as an interesting piece for their midfield.
As Football Insider reported, the London club's board rejected informal approaches from Real Madrid, blocking any possibility of a transfer in the 2026-2027 mid-season.
Martín Zubimendi's Stats at Arsenal This Season
The 27-year-old midfielder has played 6 matches and provided 1 assist at the start of the season, although he has not cemented a spot in the regular starting eleven due to Declan Rice and Bruno Guimarães' presence. His only starting appearance so far was in the League Cup match against Ipswich Town, where he was fielded as a right-back.
Despite not having a fixed main role, Arsenal's board considers the player essential to maintain depth in the midfield, ensuring rotations in the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.
Real Madrid's Strategy and the Scenario for the Summer Transfer Market
Real Madrid has been monitoring the former Real Sociedad player for a year and sought to leverage his lack of minutes to attempt his signing in winter. However, Arsenal's response forces the Spanish club to postpone any formal negotiations until the end of the current sports season in June 2027.
The player's surroundings are aware of Arsenal's refusal to part with their rotation players mid-year, so his situation will not undergo immediate changes.
Arsenal's executives will review the player's sports situation after the official commitments of the season conclude in May 2027. If Real Madrid maintains its formal interest at the end of the season, all three parties will meet in June 2027 to assess a potential permanent transfer.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Arsenal complica los planes del Real Madrid