With Luka Modric’s departure after the Club World Cup now official, Xabi Alonso has made it clear that he wants a central midfielder who brings control, precision, and authority. His top choice? Martín Zubimendi.

According to AS, the Real Sociedad midfielder has been Alonso’s preferred target from the very beginning. The two share a strong connection — they played together at Real Sociedad B, come from the same academy (Zubieta), and even share the same agent. Most importantly, Zubimendi is eager to join Real Madrid.

Despite an attractive €10 million per year offer from Arsenal, which has been pursuing him for months, the Spaniard paused negotiations. In a recent interview with RNE, he left the door open for a move to Madrid:
"I’ve always said that Xabi is my idol... I don’t know how the summer will end."

However, the biggest challenge is financial. His €60 million release clause remains an obstacle. Madrid is exploring ways to reduce the cost, possibly by including players on loan from Castilla or the first team — names that interest Real Sociedad. If no agreement is reached, Madrid is prepared to pay the clause, seeing Zubimendi as a strategic long-term investment.

On salary, Madrid won’t match Arsenal’s offer. Their initial proposal is around €6–7 million net per year, with room for performance-based growth. The midfielder now faces a choice: money or legacy.
At the Santiago Bernabéu, they’re confident he’ll choose glory, because Zubimendi isn’t just a great pivot — he’s the ideal fit for Xabi Alonso’s vision of Real Madrid.

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