Real Madrid never made a serious attempt to land Arsenal-bound midfielder – report | OneFootball

Real Sociedad’s midfield leader and former Real Madrid target Martin Zubimendi is finally set for a new adventure, as he has reportedly chosen to join Arsenal in the coming summer.

This will come as a blow to many in the Real Madrid camp as the club had earmarked Zubimendi as a potential reinforcement option in midfield this summer.

However, it appears the Spaniard is all set to join Arsenal next season, leaving Real Madrid’s hands empty.

Why Real Madrid didn’t go after Zubimendi

That said, Real Madrid’s failure to sign Zubimendi from Real Sociedad despite concrete interest could have been a calculated call from the club.

This is according to Jorge Picon, who claims that while Zubimendi’s name was indeed noted down by Madrid, no serious attempt was ever made to bring him to the Bernabeu. The club simply did not see signing a pivot as a priority this summer.

Interestingly, the one figure most keen on the 26-year-old was Xabi Alonso, who is widely expected to take over as Real Madrid’s next manager.

Martin Zubimendi will join Arsenal this summer. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

The former midfielder had recommended Zubimendi in early conversations with the club’s transfer team.

But Madrid’s message was firm – all suggestions would be considered, but the final say remains with the club’s top brass. And in their current plan, a defensive midfielder wasn’t part of the shopping list.

As per the report, Madrid’s midfield future is already locked in with Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, and Fede Valverde.

With long-term contracts and consistent performances, the club has little motivation to add another player in that mould. If they do end up signing a new midfielder, it would have to be a more creative one than Zubimendi.

This explains Real Madrid’s interest in Liverpool superstar Alexis Mac Allister, although signing the Argentine international could prove to be expensive.