Real Madrid News
Real Madrid monitoring €90 million-rated Arsenal midfielder even as Chelsea enter race – report
Real Madrid continue to explore the market for a potential midfield reinforcement after missing out on Rodri, with Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi’s name doing the rounds again as a potential target.
Now, according to TEAMtalk (h/t Bernabeu Digital), Arsenal are now willing to sell Martín Zubimendi following the arrival of Bruno Guimaraes, while Chelsea have also entered the race for the Spanish midfielder.
Chelsea’s interest is being driven by Xabi Alonso, who is pushing for the club to pursue Zubimendi, after having tried to sign him at Real Madrid last summer.
Arsenal, however, are demanding €90 million for the player.
Real Madrid keeping an eye on the situation
As per the report, Real Madrid are monitoring developments, particularly Chelsea’s interest, because Zubimendi remains a player they have on their radar.
The biggest obstacle is the asking price. Arsenal’s €90 million valuation is considered too high for Real Madrid under the current circumstances.
The Merengues would also need to make room in midfield before pursuing another player, particularly for such a significant investment.
After all, each of their 25 first-team squad slots are now occupied, meaning any new signing will only be made if there is an exit or long-term injuries.
As a result, there are currently no plans to make a move for Zubimendi or any other midfielder unless the situation changes dramatically in the final days of the window.
Real Madrid seek a more affordable option
Real Madrid already experienced difficulties in their pursuit of Rodri, with the deal ultimately failing because of the financial gap with Manchester City.
The English club were demanding a fee of around €70 million, causing Los Blancos to hesitate, which eventually allowed Barcelona to swoop in and lure him away.
With Zubimendi valued even higher at €90 million, Real Madrid would therefore need to look elsewhere if they decide to reinforce the position.
The name of Kees Smit has been mentioned as option, but there is nothing concrete at the moment.
For now, Zubimendi remains on the radar, but Real Madrid are unlikely to make a move unless the price drops or another change opens the door to the operation.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid relationship with Ballon d’Or organisers improving after major fallout – report
Real Madrid’s relationship with the Ballon d’Or suffered a spectacular fallout a couple of seasons ago during the saga involving Vinicius Junior.
However, according to MARCA (h/t Madrid Zone), relations between Madrid and the Ballon d’Or organisers are slowly improving and veering towards normality again.
Madrid and Ballon d’Or rebuilding relationship
The dispute erupted around the 2024 ceremony after Madrid learned that Vinicius Junior would not win the Ballon d’Or, with Manchester City midfielder Rodri ultimately receiving the award.
Madrid reacted strongly, deciding not to send their delegation to the ceremony in Paris despite several representatives being expected to attend.
The decision turned what should have been a celebration of Madrid’s successful season into a major controversy.
The club’s absence also made clear that the disagreement extended beyond disappointment over one individual award.
Relations subsequently became extremely strained. Now, however, the situation appears to be changing.
A significant change after 2024
For Madrid, rebuilding the relationship does not mean forgetting what happened.
The club felt strongly about the treatment surrounding the 2024 ceremony, particularly after Vinicius had been widely viewed inside Madrid as deserving of the prize.
However, remaining in a permanent dispute with one of football’s most prestigious institutions offers limited benefit.
Madrid routinely have players competing for the biggest individual honours in the sport.
Maintaining a functional relationship with the Ballon d’Or organisers is therefore the more practical position.
It is a work in progress to return the relationship to where it was before the 2024 controversy, but a first step is always good news.
A player like Kylian Mbappe is in the running to win the Ballon d’Or this year, and it would be important to mend fences ahead of a potential accolade.
Tensions beginning to ease
The important development is simply that the relationship is moving in a more positive direction.
It is significant considering how publicly and dramatically Madrid distanced themselves from the ceremony two years ago.
Ultimately, the understanding that the Ballon d’Or is an award decided by voting would help resolve a lot of this controversy.
There is absolutely no doubt that Vinicius Junior deserved to win the award in 2024 for the season he had, but that is in the past.
Madrid do not need to forget, but it is important that they mend fences with the organisers ahead of potential accolades for their superstars in the coming years.
