Real Madrid Sound Out Spain International as Rodri Alternative

As everybody knows by now, Real Madrid have failed in their pursuit to sign Manchester City and Spain national team midfielder Rodri this summer. 

Although all of the media talk had suggested that he was desperate to join the club, and if anything, for a while it was Florentino Perez that was having doubts, it has now become clear that he would prefer a move to Barcelona instead.      

Pretty difficult one for the fans and everyone else to take. It has been so obvious for a long time now that the team has missed that controller and conductor from deeper areas. It was obvious as soon as Toni Kroos retired, and only made further apparent when Luka Modric departed for AC Milan soon after that. 

So, this has lead fans to want there to be an alternative to Rodri. It is being said that a serious club would have had back up options ready in case a deal for the 30-year old did not happen. 

There had been some mixed reports in the media this week. Journalist Abraham P. Romero reported that there will not be another midfielder signed, however, fellow journalist Jose Felix Diaz stated that Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace, Kees Smit (AZ Alkmaar), and Ayyoub Bouaddi (Lille) are all on the club's radar. 

Well, we now have an update of sorts. Indeed so, as it is being reported by French journalist Sebastien Vidal that Real Madrid have enquired for Arsenal and Spain midfielder, Martin Zubimendi. 

However, he says that the deal looks particularly tricky: The Gunners are demanding 90 million Euros, and Chelsea are also "in the race". Furthermore, they have no intention of parting with the player either. 

This is not the first time Zubimendi has been linked with Real Madrid. Last summer, his name was mentioned a lot before he eventually went to Arsenal from Real Sociedad. There was a lot of talk back then that it was a Xabi Alonso driven (potential) transfer. 

But, based on this, perhaps it could have been more of a club plan. Well, it could be both, but you know. Nevertheless, although Zubimendi is a good player, someone who is used to La Liga, and a player with the profile the team needs, 90 million Euros is very steep indeed, and it is hard to imagine the club signing him for that sum. A fee closer to 50 million, and it is definitely possible. Well, let's see.