Mourinho targets midfield reinforcement
Real Madrid are reportedly exploring a mid-season move for Arsenal midfielder Martín Zubimendi, as manager José Mourinho seeks to address ongoing deficiencies in his side’s engine room. According to reports from Spanish journalist Joaquín Maroto, relayed by Defensa Central, Mourinho has internally requested that the club pursue a central midfielder during the January transfer window. The 27-year-old Spaniard has been identified as the only viable target for a winter arrival, with other potential options deemed unavailable.
The Santiago Bernabéu hierarchy has traditionally been reluctant to conduct significant business during the January window, preferring to wait until the summer to address squad imbalances. However, the current campaign has been marked by inconsistency, and there is mounting pressure on the club to provide Mourinho with the tools necessary to stabilise the team's performances in both La Liga and the Champions League. Maroto notes that the manager has already initiated discussions within the club regarding this necessity, prioritising a player capable of dictating play from deep.
While Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton has frequently been linked with a move to the Spanish capital, the club reportedly views a mid-season departure for the Englishman as impossible, leaving Zubimendi as the primary candidate under consideration. The Arsenal player’s previous experience in La Liga is viewed as an asset that would likely negate the need for a long adjustment period, allowing for immediate integration into the squad.
Zubimendi's peripheral role at Arsenal
Martín Zubimendi, who arrived at the Emirates Stadium in July 2025, has experienced a challenging start to the current campaign. After a high-profile pursuit, the midfielder has found regular playing time difficult to secure, slipping down the pecking order under Mikel Arteta. Reports indicate the Spain international has featured for fewer than 200 minutes of competitive action across all competitions this season, a stark contrast to his status as a foundational piece during his previous years in La Liga.
The 27-year-old’s reduced involvement has fuelled speculation regarding his future. While he remains part of Arsenal’s squad, his lack of consistent rhythm has been a topic of discussion within the Spanish press. Zubimendi himself has acknowledged the difficulties of his current situation, noting in recent comments that it is “not ideal” for any player to be a consistent substitute, as everyone possesses the desire to be a key figure. This frustration, coupled with the competitive nature of Arsenal’s midfield, has led to suggestions that he may be open to considering a new challenge should an opportunity arise in January. However, any potential move remains subject to Arsenal’s willingness to sanction a mid-season departure for a player they only recruited a year prior.
Market realities and tactical fit
For a transfer to move beyond the speculation stage, several significant hurdles must be overcome. Real Madrid’s internal hesitation to invest heavily in January remains a critical factor, and while Mourinho is pushing for a departure from this strategy, the club has yet to make a formal approach to their Premier League counterparts. The club is reportedly determined to be pragmatic, ensuring that any mid-season arrival offers genuine, long-term quality rather than a short-term fix.
There is also the matter of Arsenal’s stance. The Gunners are understood to be resistant to the idea of offloading a first-team player during the winter window, particularly given the demands of their own domestic and European objectives. While the current discourse is being driven by reports in the Spanish media—specifically the commentary provided by Maroto—there has been no evidence of club-to-club negotiations or a concrete bid submitted. As the January window approaches, the situation will likely remain in the realm of internal assessment for Madrid, with the club weighing the necessity of a signing against the practical difficulties of mid-season recruitment. The upcoming period before the window opens will be critical in determining whether the Spanish giants choose to act on their manager’s request or remain patient until the summer.
