Martin Zubimendi has turned his nose up at a potential move to Real Madrid. The 27-year-old midfielder, whom Arsenal signed from Real Sociedad for £51million in the summer, was heavily linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu before penning a five-year contract at the Emirates Stadium.

It's said that Xabi Alonso, before stepping down as head coach, considered Zubimendi as the perfect replacement for the departing Luka Modric. Andrea Berta won the race for the Spain international's signature, leaving Los Blancos empty-handed.

After missing out on Zubimendi, Real Madrid opted against the signing of a holding midfielder altogether. In an interview with Cadena Ser radio following the Gunners' win over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg, the Spaniard was asked whether he's a player that Los Blancos need.

"I don't think so," said Zubimendi, as quoted by ESPN. "Real Madrid has more than enough players to do well, so no."

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