Zubimendi Breaks Real Madrid Links: Arsenal's Midfield Maestro Refuses to Be Lured
4 February 2026
Midfield Speculation: Zubimendi’s Verdict on Madrid Links
Arsenal star Martin Zubimendi has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid, but he has made his view clear: Madrid does not need his services in the midfield right now. In remarks broadcast on Cadena SER’s El Larguero, he stressed that the Spanish giants already field a wealth of quality players.
The Spaniard has often been associated with Real Madrid, whether during his time with Real Sociedad or after his summer 2025 move to Arsenal, with observers arguing he could offer balance in the visitors’ engine room.
He is under contract with the Gunners until 2030, a long extension that keeps him at Emirates for many seasons to come.
Asked about Real Madrid’s interest, Zubimendi said through the interview that he does not think so; Real Madrid has plenty of players who can perform at a high level, so no, absolutely not.
His comments came after Arsenal reached the Carabao Cup final by beating Chelsea 1-0 on Tuesday, with Kai Havertz netting in stoppage time of the second leg; the Gunners had won the first leg 3-2.
Beyond club chatter, the midfielder touched on another talking point gripping Spanish fans — teammate Mikel Merino’s injury and how it could affect his potential World Cup participation this summer.
"He is in pain," Zubimendi said. "He is very professional, takes care of himself, and always thinks what is best for the club. I know more than anyone how hard this is for him, but the blow on the team is significant when he is out."
"On appearances, he seems fine outwardly, but I suspect returning home every day is tougher than it looks. He will give everything to try and make the World Cup, and we will see what happens," he added.
On Arsenal’s Champions League prospects, Zubimendi spoke cautiously, noting that the aim is to win the trophy. Finishing top of the league is nice, but the ultimate winner is decided in the end, and European football is full of surprises.
He concluded that while adapting to the competition has been good, the matches are incredibly tough, everyone presses you, and the standard is sky-high. The Champions League also features teams like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid, reminding us that anything can happen in this tournament.
Punchline 1: If tactics were a sniper shot, Zubimendi would calmly take the pass and leave the defense more puzzled than a clown car at rush hour.
Punchline 2: In football, timing is everything—Madrid might need a sharper sense of humor than their salary cap to land the next midfield maestro.
