Key Points
- Martin Zubimendi, Arsenal’s midfielder who joined from Real Sociedad for £51 million (€70 million) last summer, has publicly shut down ongoing transfer links to Real Madrid.
- Zubimendi made the comments after Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Sporting CP, coinciding with Arsenal reaching the semi-finals.
- He described Real Madrid transfer rumours as “in the past,” insisting they hold no relevance now.
- Before joining Arsenal, Zubimendi was targeted by Real Madrid, with then-coach Xabi Alonso viewing him as the ideal replacement for Luka Modric.
- Zubimendi stated Real Madrid “have more than enough players,” rejecting claims they need him in midfield.
- Arsenal resisted interest from Real Madrid and Liverpool to secure Zubimendi on a five-year deal.
- The remarks were given in a post-match interview with Cadena Ser radio following Arsenal’s Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg win over Chelsea.
Arsenal FC (North London News) 16 April 2026 –Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi has sent a clear transfer message to Real Madrid, dismissing speculation about a potential move following the Gunners’ Champions League clash with Sporting CP. The 27-year-old Spaniard, who joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad last summer, stated that links to the Spanish giants are firmly “in the past.”
- Key Points
- Why Did Martin Zubimendi Address Real Madrid’s Interest Now?
- What Was the Background to Zubimendi’s Real Madrid Links?
- How Has Zubimendi Performed at Arsenal Since Joining?
- What Exactly Did Zubimendi Say About Real Madrid?
- Real Madrid’s Midfield Situation Post-Modric
- Arsenal’s Stance on Transfer Speculation
- Background of the Development
- Prediction: Impact on Arsenal Fans
Why Did Martin Zubimendi Address Real Madrid’s Interest Now?
As reported by journalists at Metro.co.uk, Zubimendi’s comments came amid Arsenal’s progression to the Champions League semi-finals after their match against Sporting CP.
“Martín Zubimendi shut down Real Madrid transfer links after Arsenal reached the Champions League semi-finals, claiming they’re in the past,”
The outlet detailed in its coverage.
Zubimendi was asked directly about his future during a conversation with Cadena Ser radio, following Arsenal’s victory over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg.
According to Football. London, he responded to suggestions that he could be a player Real Madrid requires, saying the idea does not hold water.
This timing aligns with heightened scrutiny on Arsenal’s squad amid their strong European campaign.
ESPN noted that Zubimendi
“knocks back claim that Real Madrid need him,”
emphasising his focus remains with the Gunners. Fotmob similarly reported his quip that Los Blancos “have more than enough players,” rubbishing ongoing links.
What Was the Background to Zubimendi’s Real Madrid Links?
Prior to his £51 million (€70 million) transfer to Arsenal in July 2025, Zubimendi attracted strong interest from Real Madrid. Football. London reported that Xabi Alonso, before stepping down as Real Madrid’s head coach, considered the midfielder
Andrea Berta, Arsenal’s sporting director, ultimately clinched the deal for the Spanish international, leaving Real Madrid without a new holding midfielder that window. Metro.co.uk highlighted how Arsenal
“successfully resisted interest from clubs like Real Madrid and Liverpool to secure Martin Zubimendi’s services.”
Zubimendi signed a five-year contract at the Emirates Stadium, where he has since forged a key role in Mikel Arteta’s engine room. Fotmob pointed out he was
“linked with Madrid before leaving Real Sociedad for the Emirates Stadium last July.”
ESPN confirmed the €70 million (£60m, $83m) fee despite
“rumours that then-Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso had considered him as the ideal candidate to replace the departed Luka Modric.”
How Has Zubimendi Performed at Arsenal Since Joining?
Since arriving in North London, the 27-year-old has become integral to Arsenal’s midfield setup. Football. London described how he has
“gone on to forge out a key role in Mikel Arteta’s engine room.”
His performances have coincided with Arsenal’s push towards the Champions League semi-finals and success in domestic cups.
Zubimendi’s adaptation has been swift, contributing to Arsenal’s resistance against external interest. Metro.co.uk framed his latest message as Arsenal sending a “clear message” to Real Madrid, underscoring the club’s commitment to retaining their summer signing.
What Exactly Did Zubimendi Say About Real Madrid?
In his Cadena Ser interview, Zubimendi was explicit. As detailed by Football. London, when asked if he is a player that Los Blancos require, he knocked back the notion. Fotmob quoted him directly:
“‘They have more than enough players’ – Zubimendi rubbishes Real Madrid links.”
ESPN reported:
“Zubimendi, 27, moved to the North London outfit… despite rumours,”
And he denied speculation that he is needed at the Bernabeu. Metro.co.uk captured the essence:
“Arsenal star sends transfer message to Real Madrid after Sporting clash.”
These statements affirm his satisfaction with Arsenal.
Real Madrid’s Midfield Situation Post-Modric
Real Madrid opted not to pursue a holding midfielder after missing out on Zubimendi. Football. London noted: “Following the unsuccessful pursuit of Zubimendi, Real Madrid chose not to pursue a holding midfielder at all.” This followed Luka Modric’s departure, with Alonso’s succession plan unfulfilled.
Xabi Alonso’s exit as head coach added further context, as his interest in Zubimendi predated the Basque midfielder’s Arsenal move.
The Spanish club’s squad depth in midfield remains a topic, though Zubimendi dismissed any gap he might fill.
Arsenal’s Stance on Transfer Speculation
Arsenal have demonstrated resolve in squad building. Metro.co.uk and Football. London both emphasised how the Gunners held firm against Real Madrid and Liverpool. Zubimendi’s five-year deal signals long-term planning under Mikel Arteta.
The club’s progress to the Champions League semi-finals bolsters their position. Zubimendi’s post-Sporting CP remarks reinforce Arsenal’s message of stability amid external noise.
Background of the Development
Martin Zubimendi’s transfer to Arsenal marked a significant coup for the club in the summer of 2025. The midfielder, aged 27, left Real Sociedad after a distinguished career there, where he established himself as one of La Liga’s promising talents. Real Madrid’s interest stemmed from Xabi Alonso’s vision for midfield renewal following Luka Modric’s exit, but Arsenal’s £51 million (€70 million) bid proved decisive.
Arsenal’s recruitment under sporting director Andrea Berta focused on bolstering the engine room, with Zubimendi signing a five-year contract.
This move followed failed pursuits by Real Madrid and Liverpool, highlighting the Gunners’ appeal in the market. Zubimendi has since integrated into Mikel Arteta’s system, contributing to cup runs and European advancement.
The timing of his latest comments aligns with Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final qualification after facing Sporting CP, a match that reignited transfer chatter. His Cadena Ser interview post-Carabao Cup semi-final win over Chelsea provided the platform to address and dismiss the speculation.
Prediction: Impact on Arsenal Fans
This development reassures Arsenal supporters by signalling Zubimendi’s commitment during a pivotal season. Fans, invested in the club’s Champions League and domestic ambitions, gain confidence in squad stability, reducing anxiety over potential disruptions from clubs like Real Madrid.
It underscores Arsenal’s growing pull for elite talents, potentially aiding retention and future recruitment. For the fanbase, focused on silverware after years of rebuilding, Zubimendi’s stance supports sustained momentum without mid-season transfer saga distractions.
