According to a report by Football London on Friday October 23, 2026, Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi is reportedly eager to join Real Madrid as soon as possible, with growing uncertainty surrounding his future at the Emirates Stadium ahead of the January transfer window.

The Spain international arrived from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2025 for approximately £60 million, with Arsenal securing his signature despite competition from several European heavyweights, including Liverpool and Real Madrid.

Zubimendi initially made an encouraging impression in north London, demonstrating his technical quality, composure and ability to control midfield. However, his influence reportedly declined towards the end of last season, affecting his position in Mikel Arteta's starting lineup.

Myles Lewis-Skelly subsequently enjoyed opportunities ahead of the midfielder, while Zubimendi has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter during the current campaign.

The 27-year-old has reportedly accumulated just 197 minutes across eight appearances in all competitions this season, raising questions about his satisfaction with his current role and long-term prospects at Arsenal.

According to reports cited by Football365, Spanish outlet Nacional claims Zubimendi wants his representatives to explore the possibility of securing a move to Real Madrid at the earliest opportunity.

However, a potential transfer remains dependent on several factors, including whether Madrid are genuinely interested and whether Arsenal would consider negotiating his departure midway through the season.

Although limited playing time could encourage the midfielder to consider alternative opportunities, Arsenal retain control over his future because of his contractual situation.

Any proposed agreement would also require discussions between the relevant parties to establish acceptable terms and determine the structure of a possible transfer.

Despite the speculation, European football expert Andy Brassell believes Arsenal should resist the temptation to sell the midfielder, arguing that his quality remains valuable to the squad.

"I think he could still be a success in the Premier League," Brassell told talkSPORT, backing the Spaniard to demonstrate his abilities with more opportunities.

The analyst also stressed that Arsenal face a demanding schedule and need sufficient depth to compete across multiple competitions, making the midfielder an important squad asset.

Brassell further highlighted Zubimendi's international pedigree, pointing to his performances for Spain and his reputation as a dependable option in the national team's midfield setup.

He warned that allowing the midfielder to leave could prove short-sighted, particularly given the physical demands placed on Arsenal's other midfielders throughout a lengthy campaign.

For now, Zubimendi's future remains uncertain, with any potential January departure depending on Real Madrid's interest and Arsenal's willingness to consider an offer.

Arsenal must therefore weigh the midfielder's reported ambitions against their own sporting objectives before deciding whether to retain him or entertain the possibility of a transfer.