Real Madrid keep €65 million door open for Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi

Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi is valued at €65 million on Transfermarkt, and the figure underpins Real Madrid have left the door open for a possible move. The 27‑year‑old joined the Gunners last summer as a replacement for the ageing Jorginho, arriving from Real Sociedad after six years and more than 200 appearances.

Form dip and competition at Arsenal

Zubimendi lit up the Premier League in the first half of last season alongside Declan Rice, but his form waned in the second half. Manager Mikel Arteta responded by introducing academy graduate Myles Lewis‑Skelly, who started most of the run‑in and featured in last term’s Champions League final.

Lewis‑Skelly’s emergence pushed Zubimendi out of the starting XI, and the midfielder has struggled to reclaim his spot even this season. Bruno Guimarães, signed over the summer, has further limited Zubimendi’s chances, having already scored twice in limited Premier League appearances.

Transfer rumours and market context

Manchester City and Liverpool were also linked with the Basque international, but Real Madrid remain persistent, with Spanish media describing the move as a “perceived opportunity”. Javier Herraez of Cadena SER said Real Madrid “wouldn’t close any door” on the transfer, despite the club’s current midfield concerns after Toni Kroos’s retirement.

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Real Madrid have struggled to replace Kroos’s control, with Rodri once a target before Barcelona secured his signature. The Galacticos’ interest in Zubimendi therefore aligns with a broader need to reinforce their centre of the park.

Arsenal’s midfield depth now includes Guimarães, Lewis‑Skelly and a recent injury to Piero Hincapié, which has seen the teenager return to left‑back. This may give Zubimendi a chance to compete directly with Guimarães once he recovers from a recent knock.

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Arsenal host Nottingham Forest this weekend as Premier League action resumes, and the club’s summer plans will likely be shaped by Zubimendi’s status and the lingering €65 million valuation.