José Mourinho Clears Path for Real Madrid's Pursuit of Martín Zubimendi

José Mourinho has reportedly cleared the way for Real Madrid to move for one of Arsenal’s most high‑profile midfielders – Martín Zubimendi – in what could become one of the summer’s more intriguing transfer stories.

According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Zubimendi is firmly back on Madrid’s agenda after a year away from the Bernabéu conversation. The 27-year-old was strongly linked with Los Blancos last summer, just as Xabi Alonso arrived, but ultimately chose Arsenal instead. Now his name has resurfaced in the offices at Valdebebas, and this time the push is coming from the dugout.

Rodri’s refusal to swap Manchester for Madrid has forced the European champions to reassess their midfield targets. That rejection has opened a path for Zubimendi, and Mourinho, the report claims, has been clear with the hierarchy: go and get him.

Arsenal are not slamming the door. The Gunners are prepared to listen if the money is right. They spent 65 million euros to prise him away last year, so any serious offer will have to go north of that figure before negotiations truly heat up.

Zubimendi’s camp are already working in the background. With his influence in Mikel Arteta’s side waning and his status in the squad diminished, his representatives are testing the market and gauging whether this is the moment to engineer an exit from north London.

Mourinho’s stance is straightforward. He wants a creative midfielder and has given his approval to the pursuit of Zubimendi. But two sizeable obstacles remain.

• First, Arsenal’s valuation. Madrid will not move lightly for a player whose fee must exceed 65 million euros.
• More pressing still is the internal squeeze at the Bernabéu. The club have made it clear: no more signings unless someone leaves. For Zubimendi to walk through the door, a current Madrid midfielder will almost certainly have to walk out.

The green light from the coach is there. Now the question is whether Madrid can clear the runway.