Real Madrid Are Ahead Of Arsenal In The Chase For €60 Million Midfielder: Should They Pay That Amount? | OneFootball

Real Madrid, the reigning La Liga champions, will use the upcoming summer transfer window to strengthen the gaping holes in their star-studded team. Madrid especially need quality midfielders because the retirement of Toni Kroos has left a huge vacancy to fill. Moreover, Luca Modric is also at the fag end of his career and hence the club need a replacement for him as well.

Real Madrid are ahead of Arsenal in the chase for Martin Zubimendi

Graeme Bailey on TBR Football has reported that Real Madrid have now taken the lead in the signature of Martin Zubimendi. The Spaniard has been a long-term, important target of the Gunners. He has a release clause of €60 million in his contract with Real Sociedad, which is not an issue for the North London club. However, when Real Madrid enter a deal, it is hard for any club to lure the player in question.

Real Sociedad’s midfield maestro is a quiet genius at 26. He is not flashy, but his brain is always ticking—reading plays, breaking up attacks, and knitting moves with silky precision. Zubimendi’s passing is crisp, often unlocking defenses with a single, perfectly weighted ball. Sitting deep, he shields the backline like a wall, using anticipation over brute force. Comfortable under pressure, the Spaniard twists out of tight spots with ease, and his long-range vision keeps the tempo flowing. Not a goal scorer, sure, but his subtle control and tireless work rate make him the heartbeat of any team.

Zubimendi has scored 2 goals in 27 matches so far in the La Liga 2024/2025 season. Overall, his goals scored per 90 minutes is 0.08. Moreover, Zubimendi’s total G/A (goals + assists) is 3 for this season. The Spaniard’s goal involvement equates to 0.12 per 90 minutes. His non-penalty xG per 90 minutes is 0.09.

Zubimendi passes the ball roughly 54.06 times during a game with a pass completion rate of 83.87%. He also plays 0.56 key passes each game. Overall, the Spaniard’s xA (expected assists) output is 0.14 per 90 minutes.

Should they pay that amount for him?

Real Madrid’s push for Martín Zubimendi has tongues wagging. The Real Sociedad star’s €60m release clause is steep, but his metronomic passing and defensive nous could fill a gap in Carlo Ancelotti’s midfield, especially with Toni Kroos gone. Some fans argue Arsenal’s long chase proves his worth, while others balk at the price for a non-marquee name. If Madrid see him as Luka Modrić’s heir, though, the investment might just pay off brilliantly.