Real Madrid will attempt to sign 27-year-old Spanish international Martin Zubimendi from Arsenal this summer, having submitted an enquiry to the North London club.

According to an update by French journalist Sebastien Vidal, Martin Zubimendi is also the subject of interest from Chelsea. The Blues are keen on reinforcing their first-team squad by signing a holding midfielder in the ongoing transfer window, and they have set their sights on the 27-year-old Arsenal midfielder.

However, per Sebastien Vidal, Arsenal would prefer not to part ways with the former Real Sociedad midfielder in the coming weeks. The Premier League champions have thus slapped a prohibitive price tag of €90 million on the Spaniard to ward off his prospect suitors.

How has Martin Zubimendi fared at Arsenal?

Martin Zubimendi has made significant progress since joining Arsenal from Real Sociedad last summer. The 27-year-old arrived at the Emirates amid hype and fanfare surrounding him, having established himself as one of the best midfielders in La Liga during his stint with La Real. However, he endured bouts of inconsistency in his debut season with Arsenal.

While the Spanish international amassed over 4,000 minutes of game time in 57 outings across all competitions and contributed 6 goals and 3 assists, he lost his spot as a regular starter towards the end of the 2025/26 season. The situation may have piqued the attention of several high-profile clubs.

A man in demand

Martin Zubimendi has been on Real Madrid’s wishlist for a long time, with the Spanish giants following him since his stint with Real Sociedad. The continued interest makes sense, as the Merengues are scouring the market for a holding midfielder after losing the race to sign Rodri, who will likely join Barcelona this summer. Real Madrid need a specific profile, as they have lacked progression from the central areas since Toni Kroos retired.

As for Chelsea, the Blues are worried about Enzo Fernandez’s long-term future amid his links with Manchester City. The Argentine international is reportedly ready to leave the West London club, forcing them to look for a long-term replacement. Zubimendi, who added facets to his game in his debut season with Arsenal, is an option worth considering, as he has evolved from being a defensive midfielder who did not contribute in the final third.

However, winning the race to sign the Spanish international amid the Real Madrid links will be a tall order, as selling to a direct rival is improbable. Nevertheless, with Arsenal determined to keep Zubimendi unless suitors pay €90 million, a deal can only materialise on the North London club’s terms.