It has been reported recently that Real Madrid have already started looking into the transfer market to solve their problems in midfield.

After missing out on Rodri in the summer, the club are keen on signing world class midfielder, who can emerge as a replacement for Toni Kroos.

The team has simply lacked the stability in the middle of the park, so signing a new defensive midfielder could take precedence over other things.

According to journalist Joaquin Maroto (h/t Defensa Central ), heading into the January transfer window, Real Madrid may have only one viable option in the transfer market right now in Martin Zubimendi.

Zubimendi was a target for Real Madrid last summer. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

The former Real Sociedad starlet was linked with a move to the Spanish capital last year before he eventually joined Arsenal.

But his move to Arsenal hasn’t worked out yet, with the player falling behind in the pecking order. This has led to speculation over his future, with Real Madrid emerging as a potential destination.

Maroto also ruled out a move for Adam Wharton, Real Madrid’s other target, adding that the Crystal Palace star is not leaving the club anytime soon.

From a tactical formation and squad depth perspective, "Journalist names Arsenal star as the only viable midfield target for Real Madrid for January" carries substantial tournament implications for international seeding and domestic campaign momentum. Coaching staffs are heavily weighing high-pressing efficiency (PPDA), defensive transition pace, and fixture fatigue management.

Tactical analysts monitoring Transfer Wire metrics emphasize that squad adaptability and set-piece execution will likely dictate outcomes in high-leverage knockout environments. Real-time match telemetry and tracking data continue to inform managerial decision-making.

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