Spanish side Real Madrid have been told they made a ‘huge’ transfer mistake over Arsenal star Martin Zubimendi in the summertime window.
Arsenal accomplished the signing of Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in a deal value almost £60m in July, beating Real Madrid within the race for the player.
Zubimendi has shined in Arsenal’s midfield since his switch to north London as he attempts to assist the Gunners land the Premier League title.
The 26-year-old also impressed on the international stage for Spain of their 2-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Georgia on Saturday.
Following the match, several members of the Cadena SER panel on the newest Carrusel Deportivo broadcast spoke about Real Madrid’s failure to sign Zubimendi.
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Spanish journalist Julio Pulido said: ‘If he (Real Madrid’s sporting director) sees the national team’s recent matches and Zubimendi’s level of performance, he might regret having decided not to speculate in him for Real Madrid.
‘I feel that piece in Xabi Alonso’s Madrid could be fundamental today.’
Antonio Romero added: ‘It’s an enormous mistake that Real Madrid didn’t sign Zubimendi for 60 million after spending 120 million on Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni.’
Zubimendi reveals why he rejected Liverpool for Arsenal
One 12 months before Zubimendi joined Arsenal, he had the chance to maneuver to Liverpool but ended up staying at Real Sociedad for an additional 12 months.
Talking to The Guardian about why he rejected Liverpool for Arsenal, Zubimendi said: ‘When any proposal comes, the primary query must be whether to remain at la Real.
‘And it wasn’t the best moment [to go]. I stayed and it was a tough season but I learned quite a bit.
‘I desired to step forward, take that weight after others went.
‘I’ve at all times tried to decide on the best time and I’m blissful with the way it happened within the end.
‘I had watched Arsenal and I liked all the things I saw, when it comes to passion, youth, the sensation you bought watching them.
‘And when Mikel Arteta called me… Well, in case you’ve ever spoken to him you’ll know that he may be very convincing.
‘He’s mad about football, crazy about having all the things under control, attempting to get something from every little detail.
‘He’s very clear on all the things and the proposal he had was the very best for me.’
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