Real Madrid are working tirelessly to strengthen their squad for Xabi Alonso’s first season in charge, and while several key signings are already secured or nearly complete — including Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Álvaro Carreras, and Franco Mastantuono — the Spanish giants could make one last high-profile move before closing their transfer window business.
According to Diario AS, that final move could involve hijacking Arsenal’s pursuit of Martin Zubimendi.
Real Madrid Want Zubimendi as Alonso’s Anchor
Real Madrid’s growing interest in Zubimendi, the talented midfielder from Real Sociedad, has been driven by Xabi Alonso’s insistence. Reports suggest that Zubimendi is the only midfielder Alonso truly wants to build around — a player with intelligence, calmness, and tactical flexibility.
Despite Zubimendi already agreeing personal terms with Arsenal, Real Madrid are not ready to walk away. The Premier League side is expected to finalize the deal in July, but that delay has given Los Blancos a crucial window of opportunity.
Zubimendi Prefers Spain – Madrid Will Try One Last Time
Crucially, the report notes that Zubimendi would prefer to remain in Spain, giving Real Madrid confidence that they can still change the player’s mind. However, there’s a major obstacle: the €60 million release clause in his contract.
Real Madrid are not willing to pay the full amount outright, and will instead try a different approach. They’re prepared to offer one or two players on loan to Real Sociedad to reduce the cost of the deal.
Madrid Playing a Smart But Risky Game
Another potential roadblock is salary. Zubimendi would earn less at Real Madrid than what Arsenal are reportedly offering. But if playing in Spain and under Alonso is truly what the player wants, that might be enough to convince him.
Real Madrid’s final approach could define how this midfield story ends — either with Zubimendi in white, or another “what could have been” saga.
MadridistasZone View:
This move would be massive. Zubimendi is the perfect Xabi Alonso-style player, and it makes sense why Madrid are pushing until the very end. If he truly prefers Spain, then Real Madrid still have a real chance. Arsenal may have moved first, but Madrid might finish stronger.