Jose Mourinho tells Arsenal his Martin Zubimendi transfer plan

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Tom Weber | Writer

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has shed light on his January transfer plans amid suggestions that he could look to bring in Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

The Spain international has been struggling for minutes for several months after losing his place to Myles Lewis-Skelly in the latter stages of last season. Zubimendi had started his first Premier League campaign strongly, but the gruelling schedule eventually took a physical and mental toll.

Lewis-Skelly, who was in a similar predicament when Zubimendi was playing, grasped his opportunity with both hands. The problem that the Basque faces - besides currently being injured - is that he no longer has to battle for a spot with just the English youngster.

Bruno Guimaraes' arrival in the summer has only increased the competition for places in Arsenal's engine room, leaving Zubimendi on the outside looking in. He has yet to crack the 90-minute mark in the Premier League despite making five appearances.

His situation has given rise to speculation that he could look to depart in January. The 27-year-old is simply too good to be sitting on the bench in his prime, and there is no shortage of interest.

Mourinho reveals January plan

Chelsea and Real Madrid have been linked with the midfielder in recent weeks because of the Xabi Alonso connection. Now in charge of the Blues, Alonso wanted to reunite with his former Real Sociedad prospect in the Spanish capital last year.

Los Blancos still have yet to properly replace Toni Kroos, who retired in 2024, and failed to sign Rodri this summer. Many therefore believe that they will dip into the midfielder market next year.

Real Madrid don't tend to sign players in January, but their uninspiring early-season form has sparked speculation that they could act mid-season in a bid to have a better shot at ending their trophy drought as soon as possible.

In fact, this week it was suggested that Zubimendi is the only viable January reinforcement for the Spanish giants because other targets like Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton won't be available.

It was claimed that manager Jose Mourinho would request the winter signing of a midfielder and that he was "already talking about it within the club." However, this assertion has now been rubbished by the man himself.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Real Madrid's clash with Sevilla on Sunday, Mourinho insisted that he is pleased with the players at his disposal and that he isn't making any requests.

"Signings? I'm not asking for anything," he said. "I'm happy with the squad and the players. I feel that it's normal for people to improve, both individually and collectively, especially if we have the time and peace to work. It's a coach's job to try to develop his players.

"I don't look like I'm asking for players. I like having small squads, and if someone comes in, someone else has to leave. If the sporting director has something in mind, we're here to consider it. But it won't be my initiative."

When grilled on what he expects from his midfielders, Mourinho added: "I ask the midfielders to be midfielders. I ask them to do the job a midfielder does. One who only defends is limited.

"If they only attack, it's better to play on the wings or as a number 10. It's a very difficult position to play. To be elite, you need a different kind of quality."

If Mourinho is to be believed, Zubimendi isn't on his mind - but Real Madrid will surely be on Zubimendi's mind if he continues to sit on the bench at Arsenal.

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