Martin Zubimendi's future at Arsenal is increasingly uncertain, with Real Madrid identified as a potential destination for the Spain international midfielder, according to reports relayed by Sport Witness from the Spanish press.

The 27-year-old arrived at Arsenal last summer as a long-term successor to Jorginho, and his early partnership with Declan Rice in central midfield drew widespread praise during the first half of last season. However, his form dipped in the second half of the campaign, allowing academy product Myles Lewis-Skelly to break into the side — eventually starting in both the run-in and the Champions League final.

The door left open

Zubimendi has yet to fully reclaim his starting spot this season, and speculation surrounding a departure from north London has refused to go away. Spanish outlet Defensa Central reported that Cadena SER journalist Javier Herraez stated he "wouldn't close any door" on a transfer to Real Madrid materialising.

"Real Madrid aren't doing well right now and they're worried about how the team is playing. I don't think they'll go for him now, but I wouldn't rule anything out, especially in football: above all, in that position," Herraez said.

Real Madrid have struggled to replicate the midfield authority Toni Kroos provided before his retirement at 34. Rodri had been a serious target for Jose Mourinho's side before Barcelona secured his signature over the summer, leaving the club still searching for solutions in that area.

Summer 2027 the most likely timeline

Arsenal fought off interest from Manchester City and Liverpool to persuade Zubimendi to leave Real Sociedad — his hometown club, where he made over 200 appearances across six years. FourFourTwo understands that a departure in the summer of 2027 remains the more probable scenario, given the assurances Arsenal made at the time of signing and the likelihood that he could spend this season as fourth choice in his position.

The arrival of Bruno Guimaraes from over the summer has further deepened Arsenal's central midfield options, with the Brazilian already scoring twice in the Premier League from limited minutes and impressing on his first full 90 minutes in a Champions League victory over Lille.

A knee injury to Piero Hincapie has pushed Lewis-Skelly back to left-back, which could open the door for Zubimendi to compete for minutes alongside Guimaraes once he himself recovers from a recent knock. With manager Mikel Arteta's side competing on four fronts, the Basque midfielder's role may yet grow in importance as the season unfolds.

Transfermarkt values Zubimendi at €65 million. Arsenal host Nottingham Forest this weekend as Premier League action resumes.