Martin Zubimendi has been linked with a potential move to Real Madrid in January. It was suggested this week that Zubimendi is the only viable January reinforcement for Real Madrid because other targets like Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton will not be available. It was claimed that manager Jose Mourinho would request the winter signing of a midfielder and that he was already talking about it within the club. However, Jose Mourinho stated at his pre-match press conference that he is not asking for any signings and is happy with the squad.

According to SPORT, Real Madrid have decided on Arsenal’s Martín Zubimendi and Napoli’s Scott McTominay as their two primary targets to reinforce the midfield.

Martin Zubimendi has been deemed the only viable option to reinforce Real Madrid's midfield, and there is increasing talk in Spain of a possible move. Journalist Joaquin Maroto stated that Zubimendi is the only midfield signing that currently fits Real Madrid because Adam Wharton cannot come. Maroto also said that Mourinho will request the signing of a midfielder and is already discussing it within the club. Earlier in the week, Dani Garrido said that Real Madrid should ask for a price for Zubimendi because he does not play at all at Arsenal. Zubimendi has admitted that constantly being a substitute for both Arsenal and Spain is not ideal. Arsenal would be very reluctant to lose Zubimendi mid-season.

According to El Nacional, Mikel Arteta has committed to his word to allow Martín Zubimendi to leave in January, with Real Madrid regarded as his most likely destination.

Spanish outlet Nacional reports that Martin Zubimendi wants to leave Arsenal and has identified Real Madrid as his preferred destination. The outlet also claims that he has asked his representatives to accelerate discussions regarding a potential move and suggests that Arsenal would contemplate a sale if Madrid meets their valuation, which is believed to be approximately €75 million (£64m).

A claim from Spain stated Martin Zubimendi will return to his home country and sign for Real Madrid in the next transfer window, with journalist Javi Roldan declaring that Zubimendi is going to be Madrid’s signing in the winter window. However, according to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, sources have told the publication that Arsenal have no intention of selling midfielder Martin Zubimendi in January. The Spanish player is understood to be unhappy with his lack of involvement so far this season, having started on the bench in every game. Despite his discontent, the Gunners have no intention of trying to force the 27-year-old to leave this winter. Sources say that Mikel Arteta wants to keep his entire squad intact for the full campaign. The manager believes that Zubimendi is likely to become more involved as the season progresses and still intends to use the former Real Sociedad player.

TeamTalk cites Spanish sources that claim Martin Zubimendi's move to Real Madrid has been finalized.

According to El Confidencial journalist Javi Roldan, Martin Zubimendi will join Real Madrid in the January transfer window. Roldan also stated that Zubimendi is going to be Madrid's signing in the winter window. Spanish media has been reporting Real Madrid’s renewed interest in Zubimendi. Separately, sources told transfer insider Graeme Bailey that Madrid have maintained contact with Zubimendi’s camp after making initial enquiries in the summer of 2026.

According to a report from Sport, Real Madrid are considering acquiring Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi and could attempt to sign the Spain international again in the January transfer window if his situation at Arsenal does not improve. The report adds that Arsenal would require approximately €70 million (£60m) for his departure, allowing the Gunners to recover what they invested in the midfielder. The midfielder is understood to desire playing regularly and could consider other possibilities if his role continues to be limited.

According to Team Talk, Martin Zubimendi would push for a January exit from Arsenal if he is not restored to a regular first-team role by the turn of the year. Real Madrid looked closely at Zubimendi during the summer, making enquiries and holding talks with his camp, but Arsenal firmly resisted any potential departure to retain the depth and quality of their squad. The report adds that Real Madrid greatly admire Zubimendi and have maintained contact regarding his situation. If Zubimendi is still struggling for regular first-team football before the January window, his camp has a plan that could see him leave North London in the New Year, which could potentially create a new opportunity for Real Madrid.

According to El Nacional, José Mourinho has identified Arsenal’s Martín Zubimendi as the final element for the team at Real Madrid. Any deal for the midfielder is expected to cost $87.4 million (£64.3 million, €75 million) and would have the full backing of the manager.

Martín Zubimendi is thought to be open to leaving Arsenal, according to Tomás González-Martín. The source also reports that Zubimendi is expected to cost Real Madrid between $128.5–140.2 million (£94.2–102.7 million, €110–120 million). It is also stated by the source that club president Florentino Pérez is unwilling to even begin negotiations at that sum.

According to El Nacional, Martín Zubimendi has verbally agreed to join Real Madrid from Arsenal. Real Madrid is waiting on concrete offers for their midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, who is linked to Manchester United, before proceeding with a transfer.

Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid's new head coach, has approved a potential transfer for Martin Zubimendi. According to TEAMtalk, discussions with Arsenal have taken place as Zubimendi’s representatives assess the situation. The same source confirms Arsenal would be open to Zubimendi leaving if a suitable proposal is made. Sources indicate Zubimendi’s representatives have made it clear that the midfielder would be very interested in the opportunity to move to Madrid. A transfer will be dependent on Arsenal’s asking price and whether Real Madrid is prepared to meet the required figure. Real Madrid is considering Zubimendi as part of a broader midfield reorganization.

According to Látigo Serrano, Real Madrid had an opportunity to pursue Arsenal midfielder Martín Zubimendi earlier this summer but declined to do so because the club believed he is not a suitable fit for its long-term project.

According to football.london, Madrid are interested in Martin Zubimendi. The same report states that Arsenal do not want to sell but could be persuaded by a large offer, given the recent arrival of Bruno Guimarães. Mundo Deportivo describes the deal as a possibility that appears complicated but not impossible. It is said that Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea would compete with Madrid for the player if he were to become available, and that a transfer would require at least €90 million ($100 million). However, AS claims that Los Blancos have not made any moves for the Arsenal player.

According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Chelsea are interested in Martin Zubimendi, while Real Madrid may also be given the opportunity to pursue a deal. The outlet reports that an offer in excess of €90m will be required to persuade Arsenal to sell before Deadline Day and claims that Zubimendi’s future at the club is uncertain. However, FootballTransfers reports that manager Mikel Arteta has no interest in allowing his compatriot to leave this summer. The outlet adds that he remains a key part of Arteta’s long-term plans, and a move to Chelsea or Real Madrid will therefore not take place this summer, despite Alonso’s intention to finalise a transfer.

Goal.com reports that Arsenal have communicated their stance to Real Madrid regarding the future of Martin Zubimendi following the arrival of Bruno Guimaraes. Arsenal demand €90m for the Spanish midfielder, for whom Real Madrid are considering a summer bid.

According to Fichajes, Real Madrid has identified Martín Zubimendi as their ideal alternative target if a move for Manchester City’s Rodri is unsuccessful. El Nacional reports that Zubimendi is thought to be actively pursuing the move and has instructed his agents to contact Madrid and Barcelona again.

According to Onda Cero journalist Alberto Pereiro, there is no plan for Madrid president Florentino Perez to revisit a potential deal for Zubimendi. When asked by a Madrid fan if Zubimendi could end up at the Estadio Bernabeu this summer, Pereiro responded negatively.

According to reports in Spain, Real Madrid are monitoring Martin Zubimendi’s situation and are looking to bring him back to La Liga after one season at Arsenal. Martin Zubimendi has played down speculation that he could join Real Madrid during the summer transfer window, revealing that the 27-year-old does not intend to leave Arsenal. Speaking to Cadena SER, Zubimendi stated that he has no answer but has not been paying much attention to the speculation. He thinks that is all in the past and he has other things on his mind, and added that it is not a bad thing.

According to El Nacional, Real Madrid have contacted the representatives of Martín Zubimendi to begin discussions about a potential return to La Liga. It is thought that the Spain international is happy at Arsenal, despite the interest.

Manu Carreño mentioned during his intervention in 'El Larguero' that Martín Zubimendi has been frequently linked with a move to Real Madrid. Zubimendi responded to the speculation, saying that Madrid has plenty of players to do well, and he dismissed the idea. It is indicated that his arrival at Concha Espina will have to wait at least until June.

Spanish international Martín Zubimendi, age 26, is said to have favored a transfer to Real Madrid prior to finalizing his £56 million switch to Arsenal from Real Sociedad. Spanish publication Defensa Central claims it was widely known that the midfielder was anticipating an approach from Real Madrid. The same source noted his enthusiasm for the possibility of playing under Xabi Alonso, with whom he had previously worked at Sociedad's reserve team. On July 6, Sky Sports reported that Madrid had shown significant interest in Zubimendi during June. However, a June 20 report from David Ornstein of The Athletic indicated the club did not make a serious effort to sign him, a detail that aligns with Defensa Central's assertion that Madrid never made an official move. The Spanish outlet also reported Zubimendi's continued interest in Alonso's progress at Madrid, having informally asked defender Dean Huijsen about the manager at the Spain camp. It is reported that Madrid will keep an eye on the player's performance at Arsenal, though a near-term move is considered highly improbable due to his recent transfer and the club's focus on acquiring younger players. Transfermarkt currently places the midfielder's market valuation at an estimated €60 million.