Report: Real Madrid told all offers for Arsenal midfielder will be rejected in January | OneFootball

Real Madrid may have some degree of interest in Martin Zubimendi, but any attempt to take the Arsenal midfielder to the Santiago Bernabeu in January is expected to hit an immediate roadblock.

Journalist Feargal Brennan claims (h/t Defensa Central) Arsenal will reject offers for the Spain international during the winter transfer window, even if Real Madrid decide to turn their long-standing interest into a formal approach.

Zubimendi’s situation has changed since his move to North London. The midfielder has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter under Mikel Arteta at the beginning of the 2026/27 campaign, while increased competition in midfield has left his position less secure.

Arsenal have no intention of selling Zubimendi in January

Real Madrid have been linked with Zubimendi for some time, with previous reports suggesting the club could explore a January move if their need for another midfielder becomes more pressing.

The Spanish international would reportedly welcome the possibility of returning to Spain, particularly if his limited role at Arsenal continues. But his desire to move would not necessarily be enough to force an exit.

Arsenal will not sell Zubimendi in January. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Brennan claims Arsenal already considered an ambitious proposal during the summer before making their position clear.

“Real Madrid considered an ambitious offer in the summer,” he said before adding,

“All offers are expected to be rejected, as Arteta does not wish to disrupt the stability of his squad and wants to give his fellow Basque player a new opportunity in North London.”

That stance could make a January deal extremely difficult, regardless of how aggressively Real Madrid pursue the midfielder.

Zubimendi’s Arsenal role puts pressure on the situation

Real Madrid really admire Zubimendi. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

As stated before, Zubimendi has not enjoyed the start to life at Arsenal that he would have wanted.

The arrival of Brazilian international Bruno Guimaraes has added another major option to Arteta’s midfield, while Martin Odegaard appears to have regained his best form early in the season, reducing the opportunities available to Zubimendi.

For Real Madrid, that could make the midfielder an attractive target. The club has continued to monitor his situation and could view January as an opportunity to strengthen the midfield during the season.

Yet Arsenal’s position means the chances of the midfielder moving back to Spain are very limited, at least in January.