Real Madrid have been told they made a ‘huge mistake’ not signing Martin Zubimendi before Arsenal in the summer transfer window.

The Gunners were leading the race to sign Spanish midfielder Zubimendi but Real Madrid expressed interest in a deal after Xabi Alonso’s appointment.

Madrid were open to bolstering their midfield following Luka Modric’s departure and Alonso is a known admirer of Zubimendi having worked with him at Real Sociedad.

Given Real Madrid’s sudden interest, it was a great relief for Arsenal fans to see Zubimendi arrive at the Emirates Stadium in a deal worth £60m.

Liverpool had wanted to sign the Euros winner the summer before and it is clear to see why as Zubimendi has slotted in superbly at Arsenal, helping the Gunners go six points clear at the top of the Premier League and enjoy a perfect start to their Champions League campaign.

Several pundits have hailed the influence of Zubimendi and Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has even admitted he has been ‘surprised’ by the ex-Sociedad star.

Despite winning 10 of their 11 league games so far this season, Real Madrid have been accused of being light in midfield and former La Liga midfielder Javier Casquero believes not signing Zubimendi was a ‘huge mistake’.

‘It’s a huge mistake that Martin Zubimendi isn’t at Real Madrid,’ he told Marca in the aftermath of Real Madrid’s Champions League defeat to Liverpool.

Liverpool appeared on the verge of signing Zubimendi in 2024 but the 26-year-old decided to snub the Anfield club and spend one more season at Sociedad.

Zubimendi also rejected interest from Real Madrid in favour of joining Arsenal and says he made up his mind following a conversation with Arteta.

Asked why he favoured a move to Arsenal despite interest from Real Madrid, Zubimendi told AS: ‘I don’t know, you get a feeling.

‘Once I decided to leave Sociedad, Arsenal was a team that, from what I’d seen, suited me well, especially in terms of play.

‘I also wanted a very detail-oriented manager, and in Mikel, as soon as I spoke to him, I found him.

‘At Arsenal there was a very young team, with a lot of passion, very close-knit, eager to win, and even though they haven’t been able to do so, that makes them even more eager.’

Asked if it was difficult to reject Real Madrid, who had just appointed legendary footballer Alonso as their new manager, Zubimendi added: ‘I can’t talk about other teams.

‘Arsenal was the one I had decided on, and I went all in.’

Zubimendi has been compared to Manchester City’s Ballon d’Or winner Rodri since moving to Arsenal.

‘I don’t like comparisons,’ Gunners boss Arteta said last month before heaping praise on his summer signing.

‘I think ‘Zubi’ has to make his own way, and he’s doing so. Since he’s arrived, his impact on the team has been exceptional, and that’s very difficult.

‘I’ve seen many midfielders reach the Premier League, coming from top positions in other leagues, and they’ve struggled; it’s taken them a year or two to become who they are.

‘The speed and naturalness with which he’s adapting is surprising.

‘We’ve given him confidence and a clear role, at all levels, including decisions we’ve made here with players who were there but are no longer here.

‘We gave him space. And then, he feels comfortable with our style; it suits his way of playing.’