Real Madrid were credited with an interest in Martín Zubimendi before he joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad in the summer window.
The Spain international has played every minute in the league this season and scored a brace in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the weekend.
Marca look at his good start at Arsenal and Real Madrid’s point of view on missing out on signing the midfielder this summer.
Real Madrid appointed Xabi Alonso as their new manager this season and he knows the 26-year-old well, having managed him at La Real’s academy.
Due to the former Bayer Leverkusen manager’s past connection with the Gunners player, it seemed like the pair would reunite at Real Madrid.
Marca say that when ‘everyone thought the signing was a done deal’, Real Madrid decided to cool their interest and Zubimendi ended up joining Arsenal. Under Mikel Arteta, he’s now showcasing those qualities that the Spanish giants are looking for in a midfielder.
The newspaper state there’s ‘some envy’ over the player’s performances for the north London club and Real Madrid will regret having missed the opportunity to sign him before Arsenal secured his services.
