It’s well documented that Real Madrid wanted to sign Martin Zubimendi in the summer transfer window.
It was thought that Zubimendi was waiting for Real Madrid to call in the summer; however, when Mikel Arteta dialled his phone, there was only ever one answer.
Despite Los Blancos’ desire to complete the transfer, Zubimendi only wanted Arsenal, making it clear by saying he was ‘all in’ once his decision was made.
Arsenal haven’t looked back since signing the midfielder for £51m from Real Sociedad, but Real Madrid, on the other hand, haven’t been able to look forward.
Was Martin Zubimendi the best signing of Arsenal’s summer? If not, who was?
Xabi Alonso desperately wanted to sign Martin Zubimendi at Real Madrid
It’s been five months since Zubimendi became an Arsenal player, but still, the Spaniard’s name is uttered in Madrid.
Seeing the level that Zubimendi is performing at in England is plaguing Xabi Alonso’s mind, as it’s becoming clear how desperately the struggling Real Madrid boss wanted to sign the 26-year-old.
What was it about Zubimendi in particular that charmed Alonso so much?
Writing in a column for the BBC, Guillem Balague provided some context behind Alonso’s transfer plea.
Balague noted that Alonso wanted Zubimendi because, in his view, ‘Madrid lack a midfielder who can give them rhythm and organisation’.
The journalist added what the repercussions of Real Madrid missing out on the Arsenal star meant for Alonso.
The Real Madrid boss wanted to implement ‘short, patient passing’, seeing Zubimendi as the man to deliver that, but instead, has been left with ‘physical, dynamic midfielders who are far more comfortable with quick transitions’.
It’s a rare situation to see Real Madrid yearning for a player that Arsenal won the transfer race for, but one that, given how good Zubimendi is, is understandable.
Zubimendi is thriving in the Premier League
If Arsenal had missed out on Zubimendi, there’s a good chance that the Gunners would be feeling similar to Alonso in Madrid.
It’s no surprise that when on the prowl for a composed passer in midfield, Alonso’s gaze was fixed on Zubimendi.
Who is a better defensive midfielder than Martin Zubimendi right now?
Already, the Spaniard has announced himself as one of the best passers of the ball in the Premier League, taking no time at all to adapt.
It’s now difficult to imagine how Arsenal’s balance would be maintained without Zubimendi, whose arrival in the summer is looking more valuable as the weeks pass.
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