Key Points
- Arsenal have set a minimum price tag of £60 million for Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi ahead of the upcoming January transfer window.
- The Gunners are open to letting the 27-year-old depart after he fell down the midfield pecking order under manager Mikel Arteta.
- Zubimendi has played just 380 minutes across 12 total appearances across all competitions so far this campaign.
- Mikel Arteta has preferred a central partnership of Declan Rice and Bruno Guimaraes, with Myles Lewis-Skelly also providing depth.
- Arsenal need to generate transfer funds via player sales to finance planned attacking recruitments in January.
- Chelsea, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, and Real Sociedad are actively monitoring the player’s situation.
- The North London club are firm on recouping their initial £60 million investment made 16 months ago.
Arsenal Football Club (North London News) November 11, 2026 — Arsenal have reportedly informed Chelsea and other interested suitors that they will demand a fee of at least £60 million to part ways with Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi ahead of the January transfer window. The North London club are understood to be open to a transfer following a difficult spell for the player, who has struggled to lock down regular starting opportunities under manager Mikel Arteta this season.
Why Are Arsenal Open to Selling Martin Zubimendi in January? LEADERSHIP Newspapers
Despite making an encouraging initial impact following his arrival at the Emirates Stadium, Zubimendi has seen his role within the squad diminish significantly. Intense competition within the squad has restricted his playing time, with Mikel Arteta predominantly favouring a dynamic central midfield tandem of Declan Rice and Bruno Guimaraes. Furthermore, the emergence of versatile option Myles Lewis-Skelly has pushed the Spain international further down the midfield hierarchy.
As reported by sports correspondents of The Independent, Zubimendi has accumulated a total of just 380 minutes of action across 12 appearances in all competitions this season. With the player keen for regular match action, Arsenal are willing to sanction a exit provided their financial valuation is met in full.
How Does Zubimendi’s Sale Impact Arsenal’s Transfer Budget?
Arsenal’s management is prioritizing squad additions at the front end of the pitch during the upcoming transfer period. According to media reports citing The Independent, the Gunners’ ability to execute their incoming transfer strategy in January hinges directly on raising substantial capital through major player outgoings, making Zubimendi a primary candidate for transfer.
However, the hierarchy at the Emirates Stadium remains resolute regarding their asking price. Having invested £60 million to sign the midfielder 16 months ago, Arsenal are unwilling to accept a significant financial loss on his transfer rights.
Which Clubs Are Leading the Race to Sign Zubimendi?
London rivals Chelsea are actively keeping tabs on the midfielder’s status as they consider options to reinforce their central unit. Nevertheless, the West London club face steep competition from major Continental sides.
As highlighted in reporting carried by Sky Sports and The Independent, Spanish giants Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are monitoring developments closely alongside Zubimendi’s former club, Real Sociedad. Whether a transfer materialises in the winter window will depend entirely on whether any interested party steps forward to match Arsenal’s £60 million price tag.
Background of the Particular Development
Martin Zubimendi arrived at Arsenal 16 months ago with high expectations following a standout tenure at Real Sociedad and successful performances with the Spanish national team. His composure on the ball and tactical discipline initially earned him praise, but tactical shifts within Mikel Arteta’s system have favored greater physicality and box-to-box dynamism in central areas.
The acquisition of Bruno Guimaraes and the sustained form of Declan Rice have solidified a central pairing that limits opportunities for pure deep-lying playmakers. With Arsenal needing to balance financial regulations while funding new offensive signings, Zubimendi’s market value represents one of the club’s most viable assets to generate immediate transfer capital.
Prediction: How This Development Can Affect the Audience
This prospective transfer carries key implications for football supporters, fantasy managers, and the broader football market:
- Arsenal Fans: A successful £60 million sale would provide the financial leverage required for Mikel Arteta to recruit elite attacking talent in January, directly addressing goalscoring consistency. Conversely, parting with a player of Zubimendi’s technical caliber could leave the midfield depth vulnerable during a congested second half of the season.
- Chelsea and Rival Supporters: Securing a proven international midfielder from a direct Premier League contender for £60 million would represent a notable tactical upgrade for Chelsea’s central unit, potentially altering the balance of power in domestic competition.
- La Liga Audiences: Should Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid meet the asking price, Zubimendi’s return to Spanish football would bolster top-flight domestic intrigue in La Liga, restoring one of Spain’s top midfield talents to his home league.
