Real Madrid president rules out summer move for €60 million La Liga midfielder | OneFootball

Real Madrid remain fully focused on the current season, with the crucial UEFA Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday being one of the main challenges ahead.

However, behind the scenes, the Merengues’ board is already working on transfer plans for the upcoming summer transfer window.

Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez and CEO Jose Angel Sanchez are carefully strategising how to strengthen the squad for the future – but not at any cost or in every position.

The midfield department is seen as an area that could use reinforcements, with links surfacing to Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

The 26-year-old has a lot of admirers at the Santiago Bernabeu, given his proven pedigree in La Liga as well as the fact that his addition would boost the Spanish contingent at the club.

Perez rules out move

However, according to reports from Defensa Central, Real Madrid president Perez have ruled out the signing of Zubimendi in the summer transfer window.

Although reinforcing the midfield was a possibility, the club’s sporting staff has determined that it is not an urgent priority.

Real Madrid no longer pursuing Zubimendi. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

With a strong core of midfielders including Aurelien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham, and Dani Ceballos, the leadership at Real Madrid has decided against pursuing another signing in this position.

Another decisive factor in Perez’s decision to not pursue Zubimendi is the player’s high release clause, which stands at around €60 million.

Furthermore, Arsenal appear to be leading the race to secure the Spaniard’s signature, reinforcing Real Madrid’s stance of avoiding an unnecessary bidding war.

Los Blancos are also considering the situations of Luka Modric and Nico Paz, which could influence decisions as far as the midfield unit is concerned.

Modric’s contract expires at the end of the season and a renewal is still a possibility, while Real Madrid can re-sign Paz for just €8 million from Como.

As a result, unless unexpected departures occur, Real Madrid have decided against investing in a midfielder, thus ruling out Zubimendi as a target for the summer.