Arsenal’s limited use of Martín Zubimendi is starting to create the sort of transfer noise they could probably do without.
Last week, we covered the surprise in Spain over Mikel Arteta’s treatment of Zubimendi and Mikel Merino. Journalist Tomás Roncero even jokingly asked Arsenal to loan both midfielders to Real Madrid.
That could have been dismissed as one pundit’s frustration. Yet the Zubimendi-to-Madrid conversation has continued since then, with several Spanish journalists now joining in.
There is still nothing solid to suggest Real Madrid are preparing a move. But it’s a bit telling how quickly Arsenal’s situation has turned their midfielder into a perceived opportunity.
Real Madrid talk isn’t going away
On October 7th, Defensa Central picked up comments from Cadena SER journalist Javier Herráez. He explained that Real Madrid are concerned about their performances and refused to rule out Zubimendi becoming an option.
“I wouldn’t close any door on Martín Zubimendi, because Real Madrid aren’t doing well right now,” he said.
“At the club they’re aware of that and they’re worried about how the team is playing. I don’t think they’ll go for him now, but I wouldn’t rule anything out, especially in football. Above all in that position.”
A few days later, journalist Miguel Serrano also named Zubimendi among several midfielders who appeal to Real Madrid. Yet he was a little more cautious.
“Martín Zubimendi? The opening of a new avenue doesn’t mean they’re going to sign him,” Serrano said.
“If I were Madrid, I’d ask the price”
Now Dani Garrido has added his voice to the discussion. Defensa Central today relay comments from the Cadena SER presenter, who simply cannot understand Zubimendi’s lack of football at Arsenal.
“Having Zubimendi, for example, in London where he doesn’t play at all, absolutely nothing, zero minutes, and when he does play they put him at full-back… if I were Madrid, I’d ask the price,” Garrido said.
“Real Madrid should ask the price for Zubimendi because he doesn’t play at all at Arsenal and when they use him, they play him at full-back. He’s a perfect option for Mourinho.”
That follows Roncero’s comments last week, when he described Zubimendi and Merino as “footballing machines” and couldn’t understand Arteta leaving them out.
Arsenal don’t appear to have a Real Madrid transfer problem yet. They do, however, have a playing-time situation with the Spaniards which is giving people in back home every excuse to create one. And as long as that continues, suggestions of a return to Spain are unlikely to disappear.
