Overview
- Multiple outlets report that Jose Mourinho has given his approval for Real Madrid to pursue Martin Zubimendi and that initial contact involving the player's representatives and Arsenal has taken place.
- Reports say Zubimendi would be receptive to a move to the Santiago Bernabéu and his camp are assessing options after questions about his long‑term role at Arsenal.
- Arsenal would consider selling the 27‑year‑old but view his roughly €65m transfer fee from last summer as the baseline for any acceptable offer.
- Zubimendi's playing time at Arsenal dipped late last season after the arrival of Bruno Guimaraes and the emergence of Myles Lewis‑Skelly, which has added momentum to transfer talk.
- Real Madrid see Zubimendi as a senior holding option who fits Mourinho's desire for more authority in midfield and his arrival could form part of a wider reshuffle that affects players such as Eduardo Camavinga.