Real Madrid News
Mourinho has not requested Real Madrid to sign 27-year-old Arsenal star – report
Martin Zubimendi may have recently returned to the Real Madrid transfer conversation, but Jose Mourinho has not asked the club to sign the Arsenal midfielder.
According to Mario Penalver, sources close to Mourinho have denied claims that the Real Madrid manager is pushing for a move for Zubimendi.
The update comes after reports from England suggested that the Spain international was back on Real Madrid’s radar and that Mourinho was a strong supporter of a potential transfer.
However, Penalver’s information directly contradicts that version of events.
Zubimendi linked amid Arsenal uncertainty
Zubimendi has found himself at the centre of transfer speculation following Arsenal’s decision to sign Bruno Guimaraes.
The arrival of another high-profile midfielder has created some uncertainty around Zubimendi’s role in Mikel Arteta’s plans.
After joining Arsenal from Real Sociedad last summer, the Spaniard expected to be an important part of the project, but the changing midfield picture has raised questions about his position.
Reports have suggested that discussions have taken place as Zubimendi’s camp assesses the situation and considers the options available.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are not believed to be actively looking to sell the midfielder. However, the club could consider an appropriate proposal rather than treating him as completely untouchable.
That situation naturally brought Real Madrid back into the conversation, particularly after recent reports suggested Los Blancos could still sign a midfielder before the transfer window closes.
Previous Mourinho claim now directly challenged
Earlier reports had claimed that Mourinho was keen on Zubimendi and viewed the 27-year-old as a suitable addition to his midfield.
That claim has now been challenged, as people close to Mourinho insist that the Portuguese coach has not requested the signing of Zubimendi.
For what it is worth, though, this does not necessarily rule out Real Madrid’s interest in signing a new midfielder.
There is an important distinction between the club monitoring a player and Mourinho personally asking for his signing.
At present, though, there appears to be no evidence that the Real Madrid manager is pushing for Zubimendi.
One of the main objectives for Real Madrid this summer was to bring in a new central midfielder capable of controlling the tempo and dictating the play from the middle.
A move for Rodri was in the works before the Spain captain decided to sign for FC Barcelona. The Merengues assessed several other options, but ended up not signing any player, with Jose Mourinho deciding to use Bernardo Silva in the double pivot.
One of the midfielders that Real Madrid were looking at as an option was Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace.
The England international has been on the club’s radar for a while now, but the Premier League club never opened the door for a summer departure.
Wharton could be on the market in 2027
However, now, according to The Guardian (h/t Bernabeu Digital), That stance could change next year, as that Palace would be prepared to consider selling Wharton during the next summer transfer window.
As mentioned already, Real Madrid have closely followed Wharton’s situation throughout the summer, although the club ultimately decided against making any further additions to their midfield.
Manchester City and Chelsea also showed serious interest in signing the England international during the summer. However, Crystal Palace were unwilling to sell, effectively ruling out a move for the midfielder.
But it appears that they could open the doors for Wharton to leave in the summer of 2027, potentially paving the way for Real Madrid to make a move.
Real Madrid continue to monitor Wharton
Real Madrid are expected to keep a close eye on Wharton’s progress ahead of the 2027 market. Should they decide they need another high-quality midfielder, the 22-year-old could once again emerge as a candidate.
Manchester City may be less likely to return for Wharton after strengthening their midfield significantly this summer.
Chelsea, however, could remain a potential competitor after failing to add a player in the position during the latest window.
For now, Wharton will remain at Crystal Palace, but the club’s willingness to consider a sale next summer means the midfielder could become a realistic option for Real Madrid in 2027.
