Arsenal now told Martin Zubimendi transfer was ‘even less understandable’ after what just happened
Martin Zubimendi is the man in the spotlight for Spain as the Arsenal midfielder begins to show his worth to Luis de la Fuente.
Showing his worth is perhaps an understatement, as few players in the Spain squad currently have as secure a place as Zubimendi.
The midfielder continues to go from strength to strength both at club and country, with his focus on Spain during the November international break.
Although his attention was temporarily away from the Emirates, Zubimendi was sure to impress Arsenal fans during his country’s win over Georgia, where he scored and ran the show.
Spanish media have been full of praise for Zubimendi, praising the Arsenal star for making Rodri’s absence seem insignificant.
Competition with the Manchester City ace is not the only narrative to emerge in Spain following the win over Georgia, and those returning to N5 will welcome the feedback.
While describing Zubimendi as the player who “stands out from the rest”, Sport took the opportunity to congratulate Arsenal on securing his transfer.
Real Madrid’s interest in Zubimendi is an ongoing topic of discussion, with Sport baffled that Los Blancos were unable to beat the Gunners to the player’s transfer.
“If there is a club that should regret not having this football talent, it is Real Madrid,” wrote journalist Xavier Ortuno.
After describing Zubimendi as the perfect fit for Real Madrid, Xabi Alonso was reminded of what his team could have had, and Arsenal’s £51million outlay seemed all the more delicious.
“Today, given the authority he shows for the national team, the decision is even less understandable,” Ortuno said of Real Madrid’s failed transfer plan, heralding the midfielder’s form.
Gone are the days when Arsenal were a stepping stone to clubs like Real Madrid, because now it’s those at the Bernabeu who envy what’s happening at the Emirates.
Zubimendi’s response to being Real Madrid’s missing piece
The Spaniard’s move to Arsenal was finalized in July, so the transfer issue still being talked about four months later is quite something.
For the player, it is symbolic of his early success in the Premier League, but it is also a subject that could become rather frustrating and stagnant.
In October, Zubimendi spoke about his transfer links with Real Madrid, when he was specifically asked if he was Alonso’s missing piece, a description still being used a month later.
“We are talking about very big clubs. To say that Madrid were missing a piece like me is saying something because all the players they have are spectacular,” he replied.
Then, Zubimendi made it very clear that regardless of Madrid’s alleged interest, his choice was Arsenal, and he “did everything possible” to make that move happen.
Real Madrid missed out and Arsenal benefited enormously, but how long will the Spanish club regret their management of the transfer?
Frankly, the Gunners don’t care.