For Real Madrid this summer, much of the transfer talk surrounded their midfield and who they would finally bring in to replace the likes of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, who's profile has desperately been missed in the middle of the pitch.
The club was linked with almost every midfielder imaginable before seemingly landing on a move for Rodri, before everything fell apart and the World Cup winner ultimately ended up signing for Barcelona.
As a result, Jose Mourinho heads into the season with a similar midfield to what he already had in his squad, and despite the plethora of world-class talent, the midfield is still struggling for balance and consistency. If the club hopes to get back to the top of Europe, they need to consider their options for either the January transfer window or next summer, and their solution is staring them right in the face in the form of another World Cup winner, Arsenal's Martin Zubimendi.
Real Madrid need to make the move for Arsenal's World Cup winner
Zubimendi was a transfer target of XabI Alonso last summer however Real Madrid never opted to make a move for the midfielder, freeing him up to make the switch to Arsenal where he was a cornerstone piece in their Premier League title victory and trip to the Champions League final.
The Spaniard has since fallen somewhat out of favor following Bruno Guimarães' summer arrival at Arsenal making this the perfect time for Real Madrid to pounce and make their move for Zubimendi.
Still only 27-years-old and coming of the back of a strong club and international season, he brings everything to the table that Real Madrid are looking for to reinforce their midfield. He's good on the ball, plays the right pass, has a pitch wide passing range, and sits deep to control the tempo of the game, the area Real Madrid have been lacking in the most. He is also incredibly familiar with La Liga and the league's style from his time at Real Sociedad, which is an added bonus to his signing.
Bringing in the Spaniard to occupy the deep lying role would free up Jude Bellingham and Fede Valverde to venture further forward, while still tracking back to do their defensive work alongside Zubimendi. A midfield pivot of Zubimendi and Valverde with Bellingham in front of them could bring the perfect balance of attack and defense that Real Madrid have been lacking the last couple of years.
When it comes to a move for the midfielder, one of the biggest questions remains the price. He's currently valued at around €75 million, which is similar to the figure Manchester City wanted from Real Madrid for Rodri in the summer. Zubimendi is the exact type of player Real Madrid need right now, and if the club really is serious about getting back to the top of Europe, they can't be scared to open their chequebook in January to bring him in and secure their midfield for years and years to come.
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