Real Madrid continues planning for the next season, but in recent hours it has received bad news. One of the players who was on the club's radar seems to be increasingly unlikely to land at Santiago Bernabéu. Unless there is an unexpected turn, his destination will be the Premier League.
Objective: Reinforce the Midfield
Since the start of the campaign, Real Madrid has had problems in the midfield. Although Tchouaméni and Camavinga are players with great potential, their performance has raised doubts at certain moments. The injury of Dani Ceballos, who will be out for six to eight weeks, has further complicated the situation.
That's why the club was considering the possibility of signing a midfielder. And that's where Martín Zubimendi, one of the great figures of Real Sociedad, came into play. His talent and dedication caught attention, but the operation never fully convinced the management.
Doubts at Bernabéu
Madrid has closely followed Zubimendi in recent matches, both in the Copa del Rey and LaLiga. However, the reports have not been entirely favorable. At Concha Espina, they believe that the Basque midfielder is not clearly superior to the players they already have in the squad.
Moreover, there is a precedent that worries them: that of Asier Illarramendi. The former Real Sociedad player did not succeed at Madrid and ended up returning to San Sebastián. That memory weighs on the management, which doesn't want to repeat a similar story.
Arsenal Takes the Lead
Despite Madrid's initial interest, everything points to Zubimendi not wearing white. His contract with Real Sociedad expires in 2027, and his release clause is 60 million euros. A considerable amount that the Madrid club is not willing to assume.
Meanwhile, the Premier League has become the most likely destination for the midfielder. Arsenal has shown a strong interest in signing him and could close the deal in the coming months.
The team led by Mikel Arteta seeks to strengthen its squad to continue competing at the highest level. Zubimendi would fit perfectly into their playing scheme and could also reunite with Mikel Merino in London.
A Complicated Signing
For now, Madrid seems to have ruled out the incorporation of Zubimendi. The injury of Ceballos and doubts about some midfielders made the reinforcement an attractive option, but not at any price.
Thus, barring a last-minute surprise, the Real Sociedad midfielder will play in the Premier League next season. Another blow for Madrid, which will have to continue looking for alternatives to strengthen its squad.