Real Madrid supporters have spoken, but the midfielder at the top of their list seems already on his way to Arsenal.
Martín Zubimendi may be closing in on a move to Arsenal, but he remains the most requested name among Real Madrid supporters searching for answers after their Champions League exit.
A poll conducted by Marca following Madrid’s 5-1 defeat to Arsenal in the Champions League showed that 33 percent of fans want Zubimendi signed as a priority.
The absence of Toni Kroos was named as the key issue that must be addressed, and Zubimendi was voted the preferred replacement by a clear margin.
With over 63,000 votes cast, he was the leading choice in a group that also included suggestions across every outfield position.
“Zubimendi has become the desire of Madridismo to restore order to the white game,” wrote Marca, while acknowledging that the midfielder is widely believed to be heading to Arsenal instead.
Voices in Spain’s football industry also believe that the London club has positioned itself most effectively in the race.
At the start of this month, David Ornstein reported for The Athletic that Arsenal believed they had done most of the necessary groundwork. The midfielder was identified long ago by Mikel Arteta as the ideal addition to the squad. Arsenal have remained confident despite conflicting claims in Spanish media that Madrid might still intervene.
Ornstein said, “I personally haven’t heard this [about Real Madrid]. Arsenal are expecting Zubimendi to join in the summer.”
While not yet formally announced, the club is believed to be operating on the basis that the €51m deal will go through “and a huge amount of work went into getting them to that point”.
Zubimendi has had a standout season with Real Sociedad, making 42 appearances and becoming a mainstay in Spain’s midfield. He started six of Spain’s last eight matches and was called upon during Euro 2024 to replace Rodri in the final. His composure and control were instrumental in securing the title.
In Arsenal’s view, he fits precisely what the team lacks in midfield. He is press-resistant, tactically secure and plays with a maturity that makes him reliable both with and without the ball. Arsenal see him as a long-term solution in the role currently occupied by Thomas Partey, who is out of contract this summer, and as a natural partner to Declan Rice.
The urgency from Madrid’s end is more reactive. After their Champions League loss, a mood of frustration has taken hold. Alongside the call for a new midfielder, 20 percent of fans said the club must also sign a striker immediately, without caring who it is. This response followed Madrid’s failure to convert any of the 33 crosses they attempted against Arsenal.
Despite reports in COPE and AS suggesting that Madrid could still act, Arsenal sources maintain that their position is strong. They do not expect late interference to derail the agreement already in place with the player’s camp.
For Real Madrid, it may now be too late. Zubimendi has been linked with Arsenal for more than a year. If the move is finalised, the midfielder who Madrid fans now see as essential, will become another player Arsenal secured early while others hesitated.