Real Madrid News
Real Madrid urged to move for Spanish midfielder who can fill Rodri void: ‘Wouldn’t hesitate to sign him’
Real Madrid may have strengthened significantly this summer, but one profile remains missing from Jose Mourinho’s squad.
For all the money they have spent this summer, Mourinho’s squad lacks a midfielder capable of controlling matches from the base.
The club had been on track to sign Rodri from Manchester City, but the Spaniard eventually chose to move to Barcelona.
Now, according to Defensa Central, former Los Blancos player Alvaro Benito believes Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi would provide that exact quality.
Zubimendi seen as missing piece
Benito’s argument is not based on spectacular individual numbers. Instead, he believes Zubimendi improves the collective through his positioning, intelligence and use of the ball.
The Spain international also brings competitiveness and strength in duels, qualities that would naturally appeal to Mourinho.
Madrid already possess considerable midfield talent. Federico Valverde provides energy, Jude Bellingham can dominate further forward and Aurelien Tchouameni offers physical presence and defensive security.
However, Zubimendi represents a different type of midfielder, someone whose biggest contribution can be to give structure to everybody else.
Benito views Zubimendi as perhaps the closest available alternative to the former Manchester City midfielder.
“If you can get your hands on him and he’s to Mourinho’s and the club’s liking… I wouldn’t hesitate to sign him. Zubimendi makes those around him better,” said the former midfielder
A move remains highly unlikely
Despite that endorsement, there is currently little indication Madrid will make a late attempt to sign the Arsenal star.
The report says the club consider their squad effectively closed, with figures at Valdebebas not expecting further arrivals or departures before the transfer deadline.
Even the Gunners have closed the door on a departure for the 27-year-old midfielder this transfer window.
Benito nevertheless believes Madrid should consider the operation if Zubimendi becomes attainable and Mourinho approves the signing.
However, even if not this summer, the young Spaniard is definitely a player Los Blancos should continue to track in the coming months.
Not moving for him this summer does not necessarily mean the door is closed in the future. Zubimendi would always improve this Madrid midfield.
This could be the kind of transfer saga that keeps presenting itself every transfer window going forward, and it remains to be seen how Zubimendi fares at the Emirates this season.
Real Madrid have been without Aurelien Tchouameni since the start of the season, with the French midfielder struggling with a physical issue.
Tchouameni has been carrying a problem ever since the World Cup with France, where he was often rotated out to manage his minutes.
In his absence, Mourinho has been forced to rely on Federico Valverde and Bernardo Silva as his holding midfield partnership.
Now, according to Bernabeu Digital, Los Blancos are refusing to take any unnecessary risks with Tchouameni despite the player being eager to return to action.
Jose has established a clear recovery plan for the France international and will not allow Tchouameni to return until he is considered completely ready.
Jose does not want any shortcuts with Tchouameni
Tchouameni has been dealing with discomfort in the groin area following a physically demanding summer with France.
While the 26-year-old wants to accelerate his recovery, Mourinho and Real Madrid have drawn a firm line.
His workload will instead be increased gradually, without setting a concrete date for his return. Mourinho’s position reflects how highly he values the midfielder within his plans.
The Portuguese coach sees Tchouameni’s physical qualities and ability to provide balance as important components of his midfield, while his potential partnership with Federico Valverde can also be useful.
That means Madrid are prepared to sacrifice his availability for several matches rather than bring him back prematurely and potentially turn the problem into something more serious.
Long-term availability takes priority
It is a sensible approach, particularly at this stage of the campaign. Madrid have enough midfield depth to survive without Tchouameni temporarily.
Losing him for a significantly longer period because of an avoidable relapse would be far more damaging once the schedule becomes increasingly demanding.
There was some uncertainty surrounding Tchouameni’s future at the club, especially when Madrid were linked with Rodri, but all that seems sorted now.
For the Frenchman, patience will therefore be required even if he feels capable of returning sooner.
There is currently no definitive comeback date, but even if it takes another month for the 26-year-old to return, it has to be at full fitness.
Jose Mourinho is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring the injury problems of last season do not repeat themselves due to players being rushed back to action.
It remains to be seen how Tchouameni gets on in his recovery and how long it is before Madrid fans see him back in action.
