Real Madrid News
Real Madrid target has already signed everything to join Arsenal despite recent links – Romano
In recent weeks, there has been a renewed focus from Real Madrid for the pursuit of Martin Zubimendi.
Earlier in the summer, the Real Sociedad star was almost destined for a move to Arsenal. But recent reports suggest he has stalled the move to Emirates amid renewed contact from Real Madrid.
Zubimendi remain committed to Arsenal move
However, Fabrizio Romano has recently given more clarification as far as the future of Zubimendi is concerned.
According to the Italian transfer expert, Zubimendi remains committed to his desire to join Arsenal this summer.
The midfielder is clear about his intentions to join Arsenal and everything has already been signed.
While the recent delay remains unknown, it is clear that the Real Sociedad star will join the Gunners this summer, sooner or later.
This could be a major blow for Real Madrid, who are fronting for a new midfielder this summer following the exit of Luka Modric.
Zubimendi would have been an ideal bet given his vast experience in La Liga. During his time at Sociedad, the player had featured in almost 200 matches in the Spanish first division.
The club ideally want to sign a long-term replacement for Toni Kroos. They have been linked with a move for emerging German star Angelo Stiller, but nothing is concrete as of yet.
In fact, reports suggest the German international will ‘never sign’ for Real Madrid, meaning the club may have to find other alternatives in the market.
Fortunately, we are still in the early stages of the summer and Real Madrid have ample time to scour the market and pick the ideal option to reinforce their ranks in the middle of the park.
After a month into the new season, Aurelien Tchouameni is finally back in action for Real Madrid.
The Frenchman made his first appearance of the season for the Merengues last night against Inter Milan after recovering from the muscular injury that delayed his campaign.
His return to fitness had raised questions over where he would fit into Mourinho’s plans.
Tchouameni has been a regular in Real Madrid’s midfield for several seasons under different managers, but the end of last season was far less straightforward.
His confrontation with Federico Valverde, combined with speculation over his future at the club, created uncertainty about his position. His lack of a proper pre-season also appeared to put him behind other midfield options.
Bernardo Silva had established himself as an important figure, while Eduardo Camavinga was also ahead of Tchouameni in terms of match fitness.
With Real Madrid looking for greater creativity in midfield, there were questions over whether the Frenchman would still be a first-choice player.
Key for Mourinho
According to AS (h/t Bernabeu Digital), however, Mourinho has no such doubts. Tchouameni remains a key player for the Portuguese coach and is expected to be a starter.
Mourinho sees the French international as a midfielder without a direct replacement in the squad.
For Jose, Tchouameni provides something that none of the other midfielders in the squad do – a more defensive and positional presence, combining his tactical discipline with considerable physical strength.
His ability to shield the defence and provide balance could be particularly important for a Real Madrid side that want to defend aggressively and attack quickly in transition.
For that reason, his absence at the start of the campaign has not changed the manager’s view of his importance.
Mourinho faces a midfield selection problem
The challenge for Mourinho now is finding a way to fit all the pieces together.
If Tchouameni is guaranteed a starting position and Valverde is considered untouchable as captain, the obvious consequence is that Bernardo could find himself starting from the bench.
The summer arrival had been given an important role in helping Real Madrid control and distribute possession from deeper positions.
However, with Tchouameni and Valverde both occupying midfield places, Mourinho cannot accommodate everyone in the same lineup.
How the Portuguese coach manages that competition will be interesting to see in the coming weeks.
