José Mourinho has reportedly given Real Madrid the green light to pursue Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi, with the Spanish giants now considering a move for the midfielder this summer.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Real Madrid have renewed their interest in the 27-year-old after their pursuit of Rodri suffered a major blow, with the Manchester City midfielder now closing in on a move to Barcelona.
Zubimendi has emerged as a potential alternative, having already been identified by Real Madrid before his move to Arsenal from Real Sociedad last summer.
The Spain international enjoyed an impressive first season in north London, making 57 appearances in all competitions and becoming an important part of Mikel Arteta’s midfield.
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However, his situation has reportedly changed following Arsenal’s £75million signing of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United.
Zubimendi’s representatives are now assessing the midfielder’s options, with reports suggesting Arsenal could be open to allowing him to leave if the right proposal arrives.
That has immediately alerted Real Madrid.
The Spanish giants are looking for midfield reinforcements after Rodri moved closer to Barcelona, while Mourinho is understood to be keen on adding greater experience and authority to his midfield.
Zubimendi would fit that profile perfectly and is already familiar with Spanish football after spending the majority of his career at Real Sociedad.
The midfielder also has a major connection with Real Madrid, having previously been on the club’s radar before choosing to move to Arsenal.
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Mundo Deportivo reports that Arsenal would demand a significant fee for Zubimendi, with previous reports putting their valuation at around €90million (£77m).
That would represent a substantial profit on the €65m Arsenal paid to sign him just one year ago.
For Arsenal, however, allowing Zubimendi to leave would represent a major decision after the Spaniard played a key role during their title-winning campaign.
The arrival of Guimaraes has created greater competition in midfield, but Arteta could still view Zubimendi as an important part of his plans for the new season.
There is also uncertainty over exactly how determined Real Madrid are to complete the deal, with Mourinho previously reported to have not specifically requested Zubimendi.
Nevertheless, Madrid’s interest is genuine and the situation has developed rapidly following the collapse of their pursuit of Rodri.
Zubimendi’s representatives are now assessing the possibility of a move, while Arsenal must decide whether the right offer would be enough to convince them to sell a player they only signed last summer.
With Real Madrid now circling, the midfielder’s future could become one of the major stories of the final weeks of the transfer window.
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