Real Madrid emerge as Zubimendi's only realistic route to regular football

In a sun‑lit training ground at the Emirates, Martin Zubimendi watches his teammates battle for space, aware that his own minutes have all but vanished. Arsenal’s depth in defence and midfield leaves the 27‑year‑old midfielder on the periphery, prompting two Spanish giants to circle his name.

Arsenal’s crowded midfield leaves Zubimendi idle

Arsenal’s strength in depth, particularly in defence and midfield, are the envy of all their Premier League rivals. In the centre, Declan Rice is an automatic selection when fit, while the role alongside him has become a straight fight between Myles Lewis‑Skelly and new signing Bruno Guimaraes. Consequently, Martin Zubimendi is lacking minutes, with the World Cup winner not afforded a single start in the Premier League this season.

At 27, Zubimendi is in the prime of his career, yet remaining at Arsenal risks his best years being wasted, at least from the perspective of actually being on the pitch.

Spanish clubs line up for the midfielder

Spanish outlet Sport reported that Real Madrid, who were interested in Zubimendi before his move from Real Sociedad to Arsenal, have installed the player as their top target for 2027. The report quoted: “The case of Spaniard Martín Zubimendi is causing much intrigue. Without playing time at Arsenal, despite being considered one of the best in the world in his position, Real Madrid is monitoring a possible departure of the player they let slip away once due to indecisiveness.”

Another Spanish source cited by CaughtOffside added that Barcelona have now joined the race, viewing Zubimendi as a worthy heir to Frenkie de Jong should the Dutchman depart during Barcelona’s midfield rebuild.

Of the three clubs involved – Arsenal, Real Madrid and Barcelona – there is only one Zubimendi should choose if he wants to play regularly, and that is Real Madrid.

Zubimendi is fourth choice in a battle for two spots at Arsenal. At Barcelona, he would not break Hansi Flick’s preferred midfield pairing of Pedri and Rodri. But at Real Madrid, who have never truly replaced Luka Modrić or Toni Kroos, he would walk straight into their starting eleven and probably become the best midfielder at the club.