Xabi Alonso’s Madrid 1.0 is up and running. A brief but ambitious opening configuration, already due for its first upgrade ahead of the coming season. In version 2.0, the new Real Madrid coach is hoping to include Martín Zubimendi as part of his midfield plans.
At Valdebebas, the club’s headquarters, there’s quiet confidence that they can fulfill their manager’s wish – and they’re clinging to the old saying when it comes to rumors of a move to Arsenal:“I’ll believe it when I see it.”As long as the Gunners don’t trigger the midfielder’s release clause, Zubimendi remains very much on Madrid’s radar. There is hope.
After scanning the market – as AS reported on June 8 – Madrid has concluded that Zubimendi is the ideal candidate to strengthen the heart of their midfield. A signing worth pushing for. And that push will require sitting down with Real Sociedad to negotiate a lower transfer fee.
Zubimendi, who is 26, has a €60 million ($65 million) release clause. It’s not outrageous – Arsenal are ready to pay it outright – but Madrid see it as steep. The Spanish club will likely try to lower the cost through a loan arrangement or by offering players in return.
Madrid’s ace up their sleeve
It’s a move where Xabi Alonso’s role could prove decisive. Madrid can’t compete with Arsenal financially – not on the transfer fee, nor on the personal terms – but they do have one major card to play: Alonso himself on the Bernabéu bench. The two have worked together before. During Alonso’s first season in charge of Sanse, Real Sociedad’s B team, in 2019–20, Zubimendi was in his second year with the squad and became a key figure, starting and completing all 25 matches he played. After the Covid lockdown, he made the jump to the senior team. It was a fruitful professional relationship rooted in respect.
“I’ve always said he was my idol, and I was lucky he coached me during such an important season,” Zubimendi said last week in an interview with RNE.
Now they could reunite at Valdebebas. But it partly depends on the player’s will. Xabi and Madrid are waiting – and watching. Not so much for action, but rather for inaction. As long as Arsenal stay quiet, Madrid will stay in the hunt.