A group of Real Madrid players posing for a photo at the stadium with three figures in the foreground, one wearing an Arsenal jersey and another out of focus, as well as a man in a dark jersey on the left.
Xabi Alonso, together with Rodrygo and Zubimendi, wearing Arsenal's kit | Camara Real Madrid Confidencial
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From Madrid to Arsenal, he can play with Rodrygo next season: Xabi gives the green light

Arda Güler as a pivot was so convincing that Real Madrid has completely ruled out signing Zubimendi, who will go to Arsenal

by

Alex Moreno

Real Madrid has made a significant change in its midfield planning. After considering signing a Zubimendi-style player for weeks, the club has changed its mind. Xabi Alonso has already found the balance he was looking for and doesn't consider it necessary to go to the market.

The new formation used against RB Salzburg made the direction clear. Three center backs, two wide wing-backs, and a dynamic midfield without a pure holding midfielder. It worked and, above all, showed that there are alternatives within the team itself.

Arda Güler takes charge

One of the main beneficiaries of this system is Arda Güler. Against Salzburg, he played as a playmaker, bringing the ball out from the back but with the freedom to move forward. He wasn't a classic holding midfielder; he was something more creative, more offensive, and he did it with personality.

Next to him, Valverde performed as an all-round midfielder. He covered a lot of ground, reached the box, and filled spaces.

Bellingham, positioned further forward, moved freely to create danger. The experiment worked and Xabi Alonso knows it.

Real Madrid players pose on the field before a match wearing navy blue uniforms and displaying the club crest.
Real Madrid line-up | Real Madrid

With this model, the signing of a defensive midfielder is ruled out. There's no need for a Zubimendi anymore.

The coach is satisfied with what he has. He has given the green light to a possible departure to free up space.

Arsenal watching a Madrid player

According to sources close to the club, Arsenal has practically finalized the signing of Real Sociedad's midfielder. If the deal goes through, it could coincide with Rodrygo, in case the Brazilian decides to seek a new challenge.

Xabi seems satisfied with the midfielders in his squad and Real Madrid won't fight for the signing of the Real Sociedad player. The Basque coach values him and put his name on the table for the sporting management, but he understands that with the new system, he's not so essential.

Soccer player posing in Arsenal’s red and white uniform
Zubimendi dressed in Arsenal's kit | X

Next season could bring Rodrygo and Zubimendi together in London. Everything depends on the market, but the door is open. Madrid has already made a decision: there won't be any midfield signings and that definitely closes the door to the Spanish international.

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