Arteta 'pushing' Zubimendi towards Real Madrid amid lack of minutes
Martin Zubimendi is reportedly open to negotiations with Real Madrid, with claims in Spain suggesting Mikel Arteta is actively encouraging the midfielder to leave Arsenal amid a dramatic dip in playing time.
Zubimendi arrived from Real Sociedad last summer and was a key part of Arsenal's title winning midfield, playing a crucial role as Arteta's side ended a 22 year wait for the Premier League trophy while also reaching the Champions League final. The Spaniard reportedly cost Arsenal around £60m.
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His influence faded towards the end of last season, something Arteta put down to the physical toll of a long campaign, and the arrival of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United this summer has further squeezed his opportunities. Christian Norgaard's departure to Everton has not been enough to guarantee Zubimendi regular football.
The numbers make for stark reading. Zubimendi has made zero starts in either the Premier League or Champions League so far this season across Arsenal's first 14 matches in all competitions. His only starts have come in the League Cup, a competition Arsenal exited on Tuesday night after losing on penalties to Fleetwood Town.
Arteta's comments on Zubimendi
Speaking after Zubimendi came off the bench against Everton at the weekend, Arteta addressed his situation directly. “[Zubimendi] had a few [opportunities], then he had the injury and it's true that he had one game where he was almost fully available to play some minutes. From now, he needs to earn the right to play, but he's been exceptional, whatever the role that he had to assume, and I expect that from every player, and he's a player that deserves more minutes at the moment.”
Real Madrid interest and asking price
According to the Spanish report cited by Football365, Arteta is 'pushing him to leave' and Zubimendi 'doesn't hesitate to accept negotiations with Real Madrid'. The report states that Real Madrid see him as an alternative given his profile, with his ability to shield the back line, retain possession and help the team organise out of possession seen as qualities that would balance a midfield containing more attack minded players.
The same report notes that Jose Mourinho has not requested any new signings, and that any move would depend on concrete steps from both Arsenal and the player rather than interest alone. Arsenal reportedly set Zubimendi's asking price at around €90m (£75m) over the summer, though there is no confirmation of what fee the club would demand in January or next summer.
Arsenal's midfield options have deepened considerably this season, and how Zubimendi's situation develops over the coming months will be one to watch as the January window approaches.
