Real Madrid have made an approach for information about Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi, according to French journalist Sebastien Vidal, but any deal is expected to be difficult because Arsenal are demanding €90m for the Spain international.
Chelsea are also reportedly interested in Zubimendi, while Arsenal have no intention of allowing the midfielder to leave unless they receive a substantial offer.
The reported interest places Zubimendi at the centre of a potential transfer battle involving two of Europe’s biggest clubs. Real Madrid’s inquiry is understood to be at an early stage, with no agreement reported between the clubs and no indication that Arsenal are prepared to reduce their asking price.
Arsenal’s position is described as firm. The Gunners are said to regard the player as important and will only consider his departure if a bid matches their valuation. That figure is currently reported to be €90m, although some reactions to the story have suggested Arsenal should ask for even more.
Among the comments responding to the report were claims that Zubimendi could be valued at €100m or €120m. One supporter argued that €90m was too low, while another suggested Arsenal should increase the price to £120m. Others questioned whether Real Madrid would be willing to complete a deal at the reported figure.
There was also criticism of the asking price, with some commenters arguing that €60m would already be excessive and questioning what performances justified a valuation of €90m. One response described the midfielder as a “bench warmer”, although that view was challenged by another contributor.
Other reactions focused on Arsenal’s decision to sign Zubimendi. One commenter said the club had more than seven midfielders and should consider selling him to balance the books. Another question was simply: “why did Arsenal buy Zubimendi”.
A separate debate emerged over the suggested fee and Zubimendi’s reported previous cost. One commenter claimed Arsenal had signed him for €70m last summer and questioned the financial benefit of selling him for €80m or €85m. The same discussion included suggestions that a €100m agreement might be possible if Real Madrid were serious.
Real Madrid’s reported interest has also prompted speculation about the club’s midfield options. Some supporters linked the inquiry to the claim that Real Madrid had missed out on Rodri, who was said in the comments to have joined Barcelona. Others rejected that interpretation, arguing that losing out on one player would not prevent a major club from pursuing alternative targets.
There were similarly unverified references to Arsenal’s frustration over not signing Vinicius, with one commenter claiming that this had contributed to the club’s valuation of Zubimendi. That suggestion was disputed by another contributor, who said Arsenal could not be angry about a transfer that had never been certain.
For now, Vidal’s report indicates that Real Madrid have asked about Zubimendi, but Arsenal’s €90m demand and Chelsea’s reported interest mean the midfielder’s future remains unresolved.
