In a stunning revelation from Spanish media, Real Madrid’s failure to secure Martin Zubimendi in the summer of 2025 is being labeled a significant error, especially as the midfielder has thrived at Arsenal. The €68m star was reportedly Xabi Alonso’s top transfer target upon taking the reins at Los Blancos, but club president Florentino Perez vetoed the move— a decision that now appears increasingly regrettable.
Zubimendi, the 26-year-old Spain international, departed Real Sociedad for Arsenal during the summer transfer window of 2025. ESPN reported on June 4 that Real Madrid had shown interest in the defensive midfielder, but it was the Gunners who ultimately sealed the deal. Arsenal’s determination was evident as they shelled out £60million (€68m, $78.5m) to structure a favorable agreement, even though Zubimendi’s release clause stood at €60m (£53m, $69.2m).
Since joining the Emirates Stadium, Zubimendi has elevated his game, becoming a key figure for Arsenal and positioning himself as the natural successor to Rodri in Spain’s defensive midfield role.
According to a report from Catalan outlet Sport, Zubimendi’s impressive displays for both club and country have laid bare Perez’s “mistake.” The publication, known for its Barcelona leanings, claims that Alonso—appointed Madrid manager at the end of the previous season—”insistently” pushed for Zubimendi’s signing, viewing him as his “great desire.” However, Perez rebuffed the request, citing the presence of Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni in the squad.
While Tchouameni has performed solidly for Madrid this season, Camavinga has been hampered by injuries. The report also notes that although Dani Ceballos shares a similar profile to Zubimendi, the Madrid player falls short of the Arsenal star’s level.
“Now, already in the Premier League, it seems very difficult to get him out of there,” the Sport report states, dashing any hopes of Madrid rectifying the oversight in the near future.
Real Madrid’s ‘huge mistake’ regarding Martín Zubimendi highlighted by other sources
While Sport’s reliability on Madrid matters can be questioned due to its Barcelona affiliations, other Spanish sources have echoed the sentiment that Los Blancos erred by not pursuing Zubimendi more aggressively in the summer of 2025.
Journalist Antonio Romero told Cadena SER last month that it was “a huge mistake that Real Madrid didn’t sign Zubimendi,” with colleague Julio Pulido adding that the club “might regret having decided not to invest in him.”
Former Real Madrid striker Alfonso Perez Munoz also weighed in during an October interview with AS. When asked if he would have signed Zubimendi for Los Blancos, Alfonso replied: “I would have signed him, yes, because Madrid needs players with the creative profile of Kroos, Modric…, although I think Güler is a great player, who seems to have taken a step forward with Xabi Alonso and the coach is reciprocating.”
As Zubimendi continues to shine in the Premier League, Real Madrid’s midfield options are under scrutiny, and the window to bring him to the Bernabeu appears firmly closed—for now. This development underscores the high-stakes nature of transfer decisions and how quickly opportunities can slip away in the world of elite football.