José Mourinho Signals Real Madrid Move for Arsenal's Zubimendi

José Mourinho has given Real Madrid the all-clear to move for one of Arsenal’s big names – and Martín Zubimendi is back on the Bernabéu agenda.

The Spanish daily Mundo Deportivo reports that the Arsenal midfielder has forced his way back into Madrid’s thinking during the current summer window. The 27-year-old was close to a move to the Spanish giants last year, just as Xabi Alonso took charge, but that deal never materialised and he ended up at Arsenal instead.

Now his name is back on the list at Real Madrid, and the timing is no coincidence. Rodri has already turned down a switch to the Spanish capital, leaving Mourinho still short of the creative midfielder he wants at the heart of his side. With that door closed, Zubimendi’s has swung open again.

According to the report, Mourinho has been clear with the club’s hierarchy: go and get him.

Arsenal are not shutting the door. The Gunners are prepared to let Zubimendi leave if the right offer arrives. They paid 65 million euros to bring him in last summer, so any proposal will have to beat that figure before they even think about shaking hands.

Zubimendi’s camp are already at work. His representatives are assessing the landscape for a player whose status in Mikel Arteta’s squad has dropped significantly, and they are quietly exploring a possible exit route before the window closes.

Mourinho, for his part, is still pushing from inside Valdebebas. He wants another creative presence in midfield and has signed off on the move, but two obstacles remain. The first is Arsenal’s price tag, which Madrid will not meet lightly.

The bigger problem lies in Madrid’s own dressing room. One current squad member has to make way. The club have made it clear: there will be no more signings unless someone leaves first.

If Zubimendi is to walk through the Bernabéu doors at the second time of asking, someone in white will have to walk out.