Real Madrid Turns to Zubimendi After Rodri Deal Collapses

Jose Mourinho continues to push for Real Madrid to sign a new defensive midfielder before the summer transfer window closes. The royal club was long linked with Rodri, but that transfer ultimately fell through, and the Manchester City star is now reportedly close to joining Barcelona. However, "Los Blancos" president Florentino Perez has reportedly set his sights on a new target for the position. According to "The Mirror," that target is Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

Real Madrid had shown interest in him last summer, but the Spaniard opted to join Arsenal instead. He played a significant role last season, featuring in all 38 of the Londoners' Premier League matches. After the "Gunners" acquired Bruno Guimarães for £75 million, sources at the Santiago Bernabéu believe they now have a better chance of signing Zubimendi and have renewed their interest.

Zubimendi is under contract with Arsenal until 2030, and Mikel Arteta currently has no intention of parting ways with him. However, Spanish reports suggest that a suitable offer could make the English champions consider a sale.

It is claimed that Arsenal will demand 90 million euros for the Basque player, whom they signed for approximately 65 million euros a year ago.