Real Madrid's Plan B for Zubimendi

The Real Madrid needs to have alternatives to strengthen the midfield if Martín Zubimendi ends up moving closer to Atlético de Madrid in the upcoming winter transfer market. With Arsenal's midfielder relegated to a secondary role — he has only been a starter once in the Premier League and has a total of 380 minutes this season, according to Relevo — Angelo Stiller and Alan Varela emerge as two profiles that could fit into José Mourinho's model.

Angelo Stiller, the profile most similar to Zubimendi for Real Madrid

Angelo Stiller, a 25-year-old German midfielder from Stuttgart, is one of the most interesting alternatives due to his characteristics. Left-footed and specialized in the defensive midfield position, he stands out for his ability to organize ball distribution and participate in buildup play from deeper positions. He is the type of player who can handle the initial distribution and maintain possession.

This season's statistics also reflect his defensive participation: he has played 7 Bundesliga matches, with 2 assists and 48 tackles won, according to the official competition data. His contract runs until June 2028 and his market value is around 45 million euros.

His adaptation to Mourinho’s system would be one of his main arguments. The Portuguese coach uses a 4-2-3-1 formation with a double pivot, a structure in which Stiller could act as a playmaker alongside a midfielder with greater physical presence. However, signing him would not be a straightforward operation: Stuttgart has him under contract until 2028 and his valuation exceeds 40 million.

🚨🔴⚪️ Martín Zubimendi: “Staying at Arsenal until June? I think so. I am happy there”. “Arteta explained the plan to me at the start of the season and we’re here, fighting”, told Marca. https://t.co/U1BGoyUGg8

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 11, 2026

Alan Varela, another option for Mourinho’s double pivot

Another possibility is Alan Varela, an Argentine midfielder of 25 years who plays for Porto. His natural position is as a defensive pivot, although he can also play as a central midfielder. His profile combines recovery, defensive protection, and ball circulation, three functions necessary to support Real Madrid's double pivot.

Varela is contracted with Porto until June 2030 and his market value is around 32 million euros. This season, he has had less continuity in the Portuguese league: he has 7 appearances and 197 minutes, with two starts, according to FotMob records. This is a factor to consider before assessing his current performance as an argument for a transfer.

The Argentine offers a defensively stronger alternative than Stiller, although he does not exactly replicate Zubimendi's virtues as a playmaker. His ability to play ahead of the center-backs would allow a teammate to advance and connect with Jude Bellingham.

Atlético gains an edge for Zubimendi and forces a look at the market

The situation of the Spanish international has changed in recent weeks. The Atlético de Madrid has intensified its follow-up, and according to information from RNE reported by AS and Relevo, they are considering his signing in January. Arsenal, for its part, could explore departures to balance its accounts and face important renewals.

The Plan B for Real Madrid will depend on how much the club wants to invest in a midfielder and Mourinho's priorities for the second half of the season. Stiller fits better as a distributor, while Varela would provide more specialization in protecting the midfield. If Zubimendi ends up at Atlético, the white club will have to decide whether to activate one of these options or maintain its bet on the current midfielders.