AS: Real Madrid midfield transfer stalls; AI recommends Zubimendi

According to Diario AS, after setbacks in midfield recruitment, AI has suggested Zubimendi as a potential replacement option for Real Madrid.

Real Madrid initially prioritized strengthening their midfield, with Rodri once being the top choice, but the Spanish captain ultimately opted to join Barcelona. Real Madrid is now uncertain whether to continue pursuing the transfer market. The club has not ruled out new signings if the right opportunity presents itself, but is also prepared to enter the season without reinforcements. With Rodri appearing to be the most suitable candidate, finding an adequate replacement has proven difficult. The club consulted AI on who would be best suited to the role, and the answer was clear: Martín Zubimendi.

AI's reasoning was: "If the priority is to find a defensive midfielder, he is closest to Rodri in terms of tactical intelligence and positional awareness. While he doesn't match Rodri's physical attributes, his understanding of the game is excellent and would be well-suited to a team requiring more midfield control." Zubimendi was previously a transfer target during Xavi Alonso's time at Real Madrid. With Bruno Guimarães having joined Arsenal and Zubimendi seeing reduced playing time toward the season's end, a departure from Arsenal is not entirely out of the question. The Gunners paid 60 million euros for him last summer and would likely demand a similar figure if they were to sell him.

AI recommended more than just Zubimendi to Real Madrid. It also mentioned Vitinha, though prying him away from Paris Saint-Germain would be nearly impossible; Alexis Mac Allister, whom AI considers "ideal if seeking a more complete midfielder rather than a pure playmaker"; Enzo, despite Real Madrid having publicly ruled him out; and Fabián Ruiz, whom AI noted "has maintained elite form over several consecutive seasons, brings international pedigree, and can provide rhythm and quality."

In reality, Real Madrid has not yet made any concrete moves for Zubimendi. The club is also monitoring Adam Wharton, Kèvin Smaïl, and Youssouf Fofana, though has not taken decisive action on any of them. Real Madrid also retains a buy-out clause for Chema Andrés, the Spanish U21 defensive midfielder at Stuttgart.

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