Real Madrid Monitoring Two Midfielders

As Real Madrid looks to usher in a new era under Xabi Alonso, midfield reinforcement has become a top priority at the Santiago Bernabéu. Toni Kroos’ retirement at the end of the 2023-24 season left a noticeable void. Despite their squad depth, Los Blancos missed the German maestro’s calming presence and technical class in key moments last season, resulting in a shocking trophyless season for the Royal Whites.

With Alonso’s arrival set to mark a new tactical phase, two midfielders have caught Madrid’s attention. Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad and Franco Mastantuono of River Plate. Each presents a different kind of opportunity. One is a proven La Liga engine with leadership qualities, and the other is a teenage wonderkid tipped to be Argentina’s next significant export. Let’s break down where Madrid stands with each target.

Zubimendi’s Future Up In the Air

Martin Zubimendi has long been on Madrid’s radar, but a summer transfer might finally be within reach. The 26-year-old has been the beating heart of Real Sociedad’s midfield, and many expected him to make a high-profile move to the Premier League with Arsenal seemingly leading the race. This summer, Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller was initially seen as Real Madrid’s top midfield target. Still, recent developments surrounding Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad could prompt a shift in the club’s transfer strategy.

It looked set and done, and famous journalist Fabrizio Romano even gave it the “here we go.” However, things took a twist, it seems. Reports last month suggested the Gunners had everything in place, from a fee agreement to a planned medical. But just as things seemed confident, Zubimendi dropped a surprising hint in an interview with RTVE:

“Of course, there are options, but it’s true that it seems like it’s going to be a different, long summer, and I don’t know how it’s going to end.” Those words have changed the mood entirely. Suddenly, Arsenal doesn’t seem like such a done deal, and Real Madrid may see an opening. Zubimendi’s known admiration for Xabi Alonso, who is now at the helm in Madrid, makes this more interesting.

That personal connection could prove pivotal. Alonso coached Zubimendi briefly at the reserve level and is believed to be a big admirer of his playing style, calm under pressure, good positioning, and reliable ball distribution. The only complication? Zubimendi’s €60 million release clause. Arsenal is reportedly willing to meet it and has already done so, but Madrid has not yet made a formal move. Still, Alonso’s presence could turn the tide in their favor.

Mastantuono: The South American Gem

While Zubimendi would be a statement signing for the here and now, Franco Mastantuono is a nod to the future. The 17-year-old playmaker from River Plate is already drawing comparisons to some of Argentina’s finest, and the battle to secure his signature is heating up.

European Champions Paris Saint-Germain are currently in pole position and have reportedly advanced negotiations with River Plate. Madrid, meanwhile, had previously cooled their interest due to complications with the player’s representation. However, according to Fabrizio Romano, things have recently changed behind the scenes:

“Despite negotiations with PSG, Real Madrid could still make a move. The transfer expert stated that the reason they backed out previously was due to agent-related issues. However, things have changed.” Fabrizio Romano said via DAZN España. This shift suggests Real Madrid could still be in the mix. The club’s head of international scouting, Juni Calafat, is believed to be monitoring the situation closely and was even spotted in Buenos Aires recently, signaling a potential revival in Madrid’s interest.

Mastantuono has a €45 million release clause, which is high for a teenager but not unprecedented in today’s market. Especially for a club like Real Madrid, which has made a habit of snapping up South America’s brightest prospects early. They did it with Endrick and Vinícius Jr.

Final Thoughts

It is unlikely that Madrid will sign both midfielders this summer. The club has traditionally taken a calculated approach to recruitment, balancing long-term projects with short-term impact. So, the big question becomes which direction they will choose. Zubimendi makes perfect sense if Alonso wants an immediate, plug-and-play midfielder to orchestrate things next to Camavinga and Valverde. But Mastantuono fits Madrid’s growing identity of building the next Galáctico generation from scratch.

While PSG remains the favorite for the Argentinian, Real Madrid’s renewed interest intrigues people. As for Zubimendi, his own words suggest he’s open to options, and if Alonso makes a move, the Spanish capital might just become his next destination. Either way, Real Madrid’s midfield evolution is going to be one of this summer’s key transfer narratives.