Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Santi Canizares has called on his old club to move for Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi, insisting the Spain international is exactly the type of player Los Blancos are lacking.

Canizares Makes Bold Claim About Zubimendi

Speaking on Cadena COPE’s Tiempo de Juego while analysing Spain’s clash with Croatia, Canizares described a midfielder with Zubimendi’s qualities as nearly as vital as having a goalkeeper. Per Defensa Central, he said a player of that profile is “as essential as food” for Madrid at present.

Why Real Madrid Need a Midfield Controller

Canizares believes Jose Mourinho’s side lack someone who can dictate tempo from deep, receive the ball close to the centre-backs and play through opposition pressure.

The squad is hardly short of quality. Aurelien Tchouameni, recently linked with Liverpool, offers physical protection, Federico Valverde provides relentless energy and Eduardo Camavinga carries the ball past opponents. Jude Bellingham is most dangerous nearer goal, while Bernardo Silva adds technical experience.

However, without a specialist pivot, Madrid can become too direct against well-organised defences and struggle to maintain pressure when their pace is nullified. Zubimendi, who is composed in possession, positionally astute and adept at deciding when to speed up or slow down play, fits that description perfectly.

Could Madrid Prise Zubimendi Away From Arsenal?

Any deal would be far from straightforward. Zubimendi arrived from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2025 for a reported £60 million and remains a valued member of Arsenal’s squad.

Yet his limited game time could become a talking point. He has made eight appearances this season, totalling just 197 minutes, which may prove frustrating for a player of his calibre. Should that continue and he push for an exit, Madrid could test Arsenal’s resolve.

For now, there is nothing to suggest Zubimendi wants to leave north London, and the Gunners have little incentive to sell a midfielder they invested heavily in.

Our Take

Canizares has a point about Madrid’s balance, but the idea feels more like a pundit’s wish list than a genuine transfer plan. Zubimendi’s minutes are a concern, though a deep-lying controller is clearly the missing piece at the Bernabeu, and Arsenal are unlikely to budge without a huge offer.