RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesReal Madrid rule out move for €80 million-rated Arsenal midfielder despite internal discussions
Real Madrid have made some excellent squad additions this summer transfer window, bringing in the likes of Bernardo Silva, Ibrahima Konate, Marc Cucurella, Denzel Dumfries, Yan Diomande and Carlos Espi.
Despite strengthening the midfield with the acquisition of Bernardo, it does look like Los Blancos are not fully convinced, with the club being linked with other midfielders.
The Spanish capital club looked close to reaching an agreement to sign Rodri this summer, but the World Cup winner chose to give preference to Barcelona.
Now, according to Miguel Serrano on his YouTube channel , Real Madrid had the chance to pursue Martin Zubimendi earlier this summer but ultimately decided against making a move, believing he was not the right fit for the club’s long-term project.
Serrano has mentioned that the Merengues discussed the option of signing the Spanish international internally three weeks ago before deciding against it .
Real Madrid not keen on Zubimendi. (Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images)
Midfield profile was appreciated
Real Madrid were looking for a midfielder with Zubimendi’s characteristics following new manager Jose Mourinho’s arrival.
His ability to dictate play, control possession and operate as a holding midfielder made him one of the profiles considered during the club’s internal planning.
In fact, Los Blancos were heavily interested in him prior to his move to Arsenal, with former coach Xabi Alonso pushing to have him at the club.
However, the Spaniard agreed to a move to London, where he had a mixed first season under Mikel Arteta, impressing initially before falling away.
Club unconvinced by his level
The main reason behind Real Madrid’s decision was sporting rather than financial.
While the club acknowledge Zubimendi is an excellent midfielder, they do not believe he possesses the level required to become a starter at Real Madrid.
Instead, the feeling internally was that the squad should only be strengthened by players viewed as clear upgrades capable of making an immediate difference.
The financial aspect further complicated any possibility of a move.
Arsenal value Zubimendi at €80 million. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
Arsenal invested €60 million to sign the midfielder and are understood to value him significantly higher now, with the Gunners demanding close to €80 million.
Real Madrid were unwilling to commit that kind of investment for a player they did not regard as an undisputed elite option.
Zubimendi is no longer an option
Even though there is an option for Real Madrid to sign a new midfielder before the end of the summer transfer window, it is unlikely to be Zubimendi.
It all depends on what Mourinho wants. With the Spanish club missing out on Rodri, they could look at another deep-lying playmaker in the same mould.
There is also the option of trusting Bernardo in that role, with the Portuguese midfielder perfectly capable of being the deep-lying playmaker for the team.
There are many different ways Real Madrid can go from here, but what seems certain is that one of them is not Zubimendi.
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