Real Madrid’s only realistic midfield option this summer is a €45m Dutch talent – report | OneFootball

Real Madrid are set to kickstart their season later this evening when they take on Espanyol, with fans excited about Jose Mourinho integrates the existing setup with the six new signings the club have made this summer.

However, despite the many signings, Real Madrid are still lacking a new midfielder, having earlier missed out on Rodri, who is now at rivals Barcelona.

The club are still on the hunt for a new defensive midfielder and had recently set their sights back on an old target, Martin Zubimendi.

Zubimendi links dismissed

According to journalist Jose Miguel Villarroya, as reported by Defensa Central, Real Madrid have denied that Zubimendi is a genuine target in the final weeks of the window, despite his name resurfacing as a possible solution following the Rodri disappointment.

Zubimendi is not an option for Real Madrid. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

The Arsenal midfielder is admired for his ability to control possession and dictate tempo, but the club do not appear prepared to explore a deal.

Real Madrid are not keen on Zubimendi, particularly with Arsenal valuing him at around €100 million, having invested heavily in him themselves only last year.

The same report also denies that Mourinho has been personally pushing for the move.

Few alternatives left

With Zubimendi seemingly off the table, Real Madrid’s options are increasingly limited. And one name being floated as a more realistic option is Feyenoord’s Kees Smit.

Kees Smit is a more affordable option for Real Madrid. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)

According to Villarroya, the Dutch midfielder could be available for around €40 to €45 million, a figure that would fit far more comfortably within Real Madrid’s budget.

The financial logic could also work in the club’s favour given their existing relationship with Jorge Mendes, who represents Smit and could potentially help facilitate exits for unwanted players such as Raul Asencio or Eduardo Camavinga as part of a wider arrangement.

Smit is naturally more of a box-to-box or attacking midfielder, raising some doubts over how he would adapt to a deeper role, and his move remains speculative for now.

For the time being, Mourinho looks set to begin the season working with the midfield options already at his disposal.