Arsenal‘s Martín Zubimendi and Crystal Palace‘s Adam Wharton are on Real Madrid’s list and the Gunners star can be an option in January.
Los Blancos’ interest in the Crystal Palace midfielder isn’t new. In August 2025, they had identified him as their main target, but a move never took shape because of their failure to get rid of Dani Ceballos.
In the same window, Zubimendi left Real Sociedad for Arsenal. Prior to that, there were several reports of Real Madrid’s interest.
Last season, the 27-year-old Spain international was a starter under Mikel Arteta. He had six goals and three assists in 4,299 minutes from 57 matches for the Gunners.
The former La Real man lost prominence at the Emirates this season, playing 89 minutes from five league matches.
Arsenal and Crystal Palace targets
Spanish journalist Joaquín Maroto, who writes for AS, talked up the World Cup winner and Adam Wharton’s chances of joining Real Madrid in January and Defensa Central have relayed his comments.
He insists the 22-year-old England international won’t leave the UEFA Conference League winners in the winter market. Therefore, the journalist, who provides no explanation, says the Arsenal star is only viable option for Real Madrid.
“Zubimendi is the only midfield signing that fits Real Madrid right now because Adam Wharton can’t come,” he said.
José Mourinho has requested the club to sign a new midfielder in January while Real Madrid’s final decision is still pending.
Maroto explained: “It’s Mourinho who’s going to request the signing of a midfielder; he’s already talking about it within the club.”
The Spanish giants don’t want to rush and would prefer to evaluate the situation and their options before deciding.
Martín Zubimendi vs Adam Wharton
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace — Premier League comparison
| Statistic | Zubimendi Arsenal |
Wharton Crystal Palace |
|---|---|---|
| 2025/26 — full season | ||
| Appearances | 38 | 34 |
| Starts | 34 | 29 |
| Minutes played | 3,001 | 2,562 |
| Minutes per appearance | 79.0 | 75.4 |
| Goals | 5 | 1 |
| Assists | 1 | 5 |
| 2026/27 — season so far | ||
| Appearances | 5 | 6 |
| Starts | 0 | 6 |
| Minutes played | 89 | 527 |
| Minutes per appearance | 17.8 | 87.8 |
| Goals | 0 | 0 |
| Assists | 0 | 1 |
| Combined totals — both seasons | ||
| Appearances | 43 | 40 |
| Starts | 34 | 35 |
| Minutes played | 3,090 | 3,089 |
| Goals | 5 | 1 |
| Assists | 1 | 6 |
Minutes per appearance = minutes played divided by appearances, rounded to one decimal place.
Source: Opta Analyst. Updated: 15 October 2026.
Contrasting situation at Arsenal and Crystal Palace
Adam Wharton continues to be a starter under new Eagles manager, Pierre Sage. He’s played 648 minutes from eight matches, managing two assists.
His contract is until 2029, which puts Crystal Palace in a comfortable position to hold on to him until the end of this season.
The Spaniard, on the other hand, is struggling for regular game time this season. He also missed Arsenal’s Champions League win over Lille on Tuesday because of an injury.
Martín Zubimendi has already expressed his frustration over his limited role with both club and country. This has only fuelled the rumours of a move to Real Madrid in the next window or following summer market.
If the La Liga side decide to sign a midfielder in January, Zubimendi can be an option.
