Could Xabi Alonso's Plea for Real Madrid to Sign Arsenal's 'Unreal' Star Change the Game?

Xabi Alonso's desire for Real Madrid to sign Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi last summer highlights the shifting dynamics in football transfers, particularly in the context of managerial influence and team composition. Alonso, who had recently taken charge at Madrid, viewed Zubimendi as a key player to bolster the midfield, especially following the retirement of Toni Kroos. However, despite his eagerness, Arsenal clinched a £60 million deal for Zubimendi, making him one of the standout signings in the Premier League this season.

Last updated: 28 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As of now, Xabi Alonso has parted ways with Real Madrid following a disappointing Spanish Super Cup final defeat to Barcelona. His departure comes after less than eight months in charge, during which he managed to secure a second-place position in La Liga, trailing Barcelona by four points. Despite Alonso's exit, Zubimendi's successful integration into Arsenal’s squad demonstrates the impact of strategic transfers, showing how quickly fortunes can change in football.

Key takeaways

Xabi Alonso sought to bring Martin Zubimendi to Real Madrid last summer.
Real Madrid's hesitance allowed Arsenal to secure Zubimendi for £60 million.
Zubimendi has become a crucial player for Arsenal, enhancing the midfield dynamics.
Alonso's tenure at Real Madrid was marked by a strong win percentage despite his short time in charge.
Declan Rice has praised Zubimendi's contributions to the team's performance.

Timeline: how we got here

The following timeline highlights key events leading up to the current situation involving Zubimendi and Alonso:

May 2023: Xabi Alonso appointed as head coach of Real Madrid.
June 2023: Real Madrid makes defensive signings, including Trent Alexander-Arnold.
January 2024: Arsenal strikes an agreement to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.
October 2023: Real Madrid loses the Spanish Super Cup final to Barcelona, leading to Alonso's departure.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent reports confirm that Alonso's tenure at Real Madrid has ended, and Zubimendi's form at Arsenal continues to impress, with significant contributions to the team's midfield capabilities.

What was already established

Alonso's interest in Zubimendi was known prior to his departure. Real Madrid's hesitance in pursuing the midfielder allowed Arsenal to secure a deal, which has proven beneficial for the Gunners this season.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The transfer saga involving Zubimendi and Alonso has captured the attention of football fans across the UK, reflecting the broader implications of player transfers on local support and consumer engagement with clubs. Zubimendi's adaptation to Arsenal's style has rejuvenated interest among fans, enhancing the club's marketability.

Businesses and jobs

Arsenal's successful acquisition of Zubimendi may influence other clubs' recruitment strategies within the Premier League. His performances could lead to increased merchandise sales and higher matchday revenues, ultimately impacting the club's financial health and job security for staff associated with operations and merchandising.

Policy and regulation

As transfer regulations evolve, the Zubimendi situation highlights the need for clubs to act decisively. The English Premier League’s competitiveness hinges on the ability of clubs to attract and retain top talent, which could lead to future discussions around transfer policies and player contracts.

Numbers that matter

£60 million: The fee Arsenal paid to secure Martin Zubimendi, marking him as one of the significant transfers of the season.
20: The number of Premier League matches Zubimendi has started for Arsenal this season.
15: Matches in which Zubimendi has played the full 90 minutes, demonstrating his fitness and importance to the team.
4 points: The gap between Real Madrid and Barcelona in La Liga, reflecting the competitive nature of the league.
Decade: The time span over which Alonso achieved the highest win percentage of any Real Madrid coach.

Definitions and jargon buster

La Liga: The top professional football division in Spain.
Super Cup: A football competition featuring the champions of La Liga and the Copa del Rey.
Midfielder: A player positioned in the middle of the field, responsible for linking defence and attack.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Arsenal will look to continue leveraging Zubimendi’s talents as they compete for the Premier League title. Fans can expect to see how his partnership with Declan Rice evolves in upcoming fixtures.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the season progresses, both Arsenal and Real Madrid will need to assess their squad depth and performance, potentially leading to further strategic signings in the January transfer window.

Signals to watch

Upcoming matches for Arsenal to gauge Zubimendi's consistency and impact.
Real Madrid's managerial decisions following Alonso's departure which could affect future transfer strategies.
Player performance metrics for Zubimendi and other key Arsenal players to monitor team dynamics.

Practical guidance

Do

Follow Arsenal's fixtures to track Zubimendi’s contributions and growth within the team.
Monitor Real Madrid’s managerial changes and their potential impact on future transfer activities.
Stay updated on Premier League news for insights into other transfer developments.

Don’t

Underestimate the impact of midfield dynamics on a team's performance.
Ignore the evolving landscape of player transfers in relation to managerial changes.
Assume that past transfer negotiations will not influence future club strategies.

Checklist

Check upcoming matches for Arsenal and track Zubimendi's performance.
Keep an eye on transfer news surrounding Real Madrid and potential new signings.
Assess how Zubimendi’s playing style complements Arsenal’s tactical approach.
Evaluate Declan Rice's performance and its correlation to Zubimendi's presence on the pitch.
Follow fan reactions and discussions about the impact of recent transfers.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Zubimendi has shown promise at Arsenal, there are inherent risks associated with player transfers, including potential injuries or loss of form that could impact both his and the team's performance. Additionally, Real Madrid's decision-making process in the wake of Alonso's departure could lead to unforeseen changes in their squad dynamics and transfer strategies.

Bottom line

Xabi Alonso's pursuit of Martin Zubimendi underscores the importance of decisive action in football transfers. As Zubimendi flourishes at Arsenal, Real Madrid's missed opportunity may prompt a reevaluation of their recruitment strategies moving forward. Clubs must remain agile in a competitive market where talent acquisition significantly influences success.

FAQs

Why did Xabi Alonso want to sign Martin Zubimendi?

Xabi Alonso believed that signing Martin Zubimendi would be crucial for strengthening Real Madrid's midfield, especially following Toni Kroos's retirement.

How has Martin Zubimendi performed at Arsenal?

Martin Zubimendi has impressed at Arsenal, starting 20 out of 21 Premier League matches and contributing significantly to the team's midfield stability.

What was the transfer fee for Zubimendi to Arsenal?

The transfer fee for Martin Zubimendi to Arsenal was £60 million, highlighting his value as a key player for the club.