It has just been revealed that Martin Zubimendi was actually ready to sign for Real Madrid before his move to join Arsenal.
Last summer, Andrea Berta worked tirelessly to sign Zubimendi for Arsenal, and he finally got a deal done to bring the Spaniard to North London.
Eventually, Arsenal secured Zubimendi in a deal worth £51 million from Real Sociedad, and he’s proven to be a revelation for the Gunners.
But ahead of signing for Arsenal, Real Madrid also tried to sign Zubimendi; however, Los Blancos were unable to finalise the deal.
Real Madrid could have signed Martin Zubimendi before he joined Arsenal
Real Madrid fumbled the chance to sign Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi in the summer, and it now looks to be a major blunder from the 15-time European champions.
Zubimendi was waiting for Madrid to call, but the Spanish club didn’t arrive at the party soon enough, and the 26-year-old ended up moving to the Emirates Stadium instead.
Now, Zubimendi is one of the best midfielders in Europe and has proved himself to be one of the signings of the summer.
Speaking after Madrid’s 1-1 draw with Girona, Spanish journalist Tomas Roncero told Carrusel Deportivo: “Zubimendi, that boy wanted to join, and the coach wanted him, but we didn’t bring him in.
Who has been Arsenal’s best summer signing so far?
Martin Zubimendi – £51m
Eberechi Eze – £68m
Viktor Gyokeres – £64m
Noni Madueke – £52m
Piero Hincapie – Loan
Cristhian Mosquera – £13m
Let us know your pick in the comments! 👀
“Now he is a star of the national team, and at Arsenal, we could have already signed him.”
Not only is he impressive for Arsenal, but Zubimendi has also become key for Spain, replacing Rodri in the base of Luis de la Fuente’s team.
Madrid will be fuming that they missed out on the Spanish international, especially given their struggles in the middle of the park.
How Mikel Arteta convinced Martin Zubimendi to join Arsenal
Zubimendi has revealed how Mikel Arteta convinced him to join Arsenal following a failed move to Liverpool the season prior.
The Spaniard admitted that the timing was not right the first time around, but one year later and after a chat with Arteta, he felt he was now ready.
Has Martin Zubimendi helped to improve Declan Rice at Arsenal?
“Chatting with Mikel Arteta, you realise in that first conversation everything he knows and everything he can contribute. Well, that’s where it all started, and I think it was the right decision,” Zubimendi told Sky Sports.
“As you say, the timing… Up until that moment, I think I was very happy at Real Sociedad. I had steps to take there, and well, I think you feel inside if it’s the right time or not, and I think this year was the right time, and so far I think it’s been the right decision.”
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
