Real Madrid are interested in a Rodri replacement but will face tough competition from Chelsea to sign the £77 million star.
Real Madrid had their hearts set on signing Manchester City star Rodri, and for weeks it looked like the deal was going to happen. But their big rivals in El Clasico stepped in and stole the deal. Now, it’s been reported that the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner has agreed to join Barcelona, with the Catalan club working on a fee with the Premier League team to bring Spain’s captain to Camp Nou for the next season.
Missing out on Rodri has left Real Madrid rushing to find someone just as good to fill that spot. Luckily, it looks like they’ve found the right player. However, to sign this Rodri alternative, they’ll need to convince him to choose Real Madrid and José Mourinho’s project over Chelsea, where he would join Xabi Alonso, and also beat Arsenal, who are offering around €90 million (£77 million), according to Mundo Deportivo.
That player is Martin Zubimendi, who many football fans know is a great fit for the role Rodri plays. Spain’s manager, Luis de la Fuente, even called Zubimendi the second-best defensive midfielder in the world, right behind Rodri. Speaking to TVE, he said, “Doubting Rodri is an insult to football intelligence. He’s the best in his position, and we’re lucky to have Martin Zubimendi right behind him, who is also amazing.”
Zubimendi showed just how well he can step in during Spain’s win over England in the 2024 European Championship final. Rodri had to leave the game at halftime due to injury, and Zubimendi came on without anyone really noticing the difference — a big compliment to his skill.
Real Madrid definitely wants Zubimendi back in La Liga, but they’ll have to beat Chelsea to sign him. Reports from FourFourTwo say Xabi Alonso is a big fan of Zubimendi and tried to bring him to Real Sociedad before Arsenal signed him. Now, Alonso is looking to take him to Chelsea to build up his team, hoping to block Real Madrid and Mourinho.
With both Chelsea and Real Madrid interested, they might be encouraged by Arsenal’s recent signing of Bruno Guimaraes, which could mean less playing time for Zubimendi at Arsenal and possibly make him more open to a move.