Zubimendi 'close' to Atletico Madrid move away from Arsenal
Martin Zubimendi appears to have made his decision over his Arsenal future, and it is not Real Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea or Liverpool who have won the race for his signature.
According to Spanish outlet RNE Deportes, Zubimendi 'is close to joining the red and white club', referring to Atletico Madrid. The report adds that the midfielder 'already sounded out a move away from the English club in the summer and could be the replacement for Julian Alvarez in Diego Simeone's team.'
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It is a significant development given the list of suitors reportedly circling the 27 year old. TEAMtalk reported on November 3 that Zubimendi is ready to leave Arsenal in the January transfer window, with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid all said to be interested in a deal for January 2027. The outlet also claimed Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund had been informed of his availability, while Chelsea 'have been spoken to about the situation' and Liverpool, described as 'long term admirers', have also been made aware, though the Reds are 'seen as less likely to make a move at this stage, with their previous interest dating back to their previous management.'
TEAMtalk also stated that Arsenal 'are aware of Zubimendi's feelings and the possibility that he will look to move on in January,' adding that the club 'are therefore preparing for the prospect of interest in a player they only signed relatively recently.'
A fall from the starting XI
Zubimendi's situation at Arsenal has changed dramatically since Arsenal signed Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United in the summer of 2026. The Spain international has become a peripheral figure for the Premier League champions this season, making only one start in the Champions League and playing just seven minutes in the Premier League so far this campaign.
That represents a steep decline for a player who lost his place in Arsenal's starting line up towards the end of last season and has not been able to force his way back in since Guimaraes' arrival reshaped Mikel Arteta's midfield options.
Atletico's needs
Atletico Madrid currently sit third in LaLiga with 28 points from 12 matches, five points behind leaders and defending champions Barcelona. Diego Simeone's side have struggled in the Champions League this term, picking up just four points from four matches in Europe's top competition.
Should the move materialise, Zubimendi would reportedly be viewed as a possible like for like option in the middle of the park following Julian Alvarez's role in Simeone's setup, though the RNE Deportes report frames him specifically as a potential successor in that area of the pitch.
Arsenal will now have to weigh up their options in midfield for the January window, with Zubimendi's camp seemingly having made their preference known well ahead of any formal negotiations.
