Key Points
- Proposed Transfer: Arsenal are reportedly open to sanctioning the exit of 27-year-old midfielder Martin Zubimendi during the upcoming January transfer window.
- Asking Price: The North London club spent €70 million to acquire Zubimendi and intend to recoup the full amount before approving any permanent departure.
- Leading Contenders: Atletico Madrid are actively seeking to capitalise on the situation to bolster their midfield, whilst Chelsea and Real Madrid continue to monitor developments.
- Reduced Role: Zubimendi has featured for just 380 minutes out of a possible 1,530 across all competitions this season and is yet to start a Premier League match in the 2026–27 campaign.
- Squad Rebalancing: Arsenal are looking to balance their financial books following summer outlay on Bruno Guimarães, Ezri Konsa, and Christos Tzolis, with further exits such as Viktor Gyökeres and Mikel Merino also mooted.
Arsenal (North London News) November 10, 2026 – Arsenal are reportedly willing to greenlight a departure for Spain international Martin Zubimendi during the January transfer window. The 27-year-old defensive midfielder faces an increasingly uncertain future at the Emirates Stadium after falling down manager Mikel Arteta’s midfield hierarchy, prompting strong transfer interest from La Liga outfit Atletico Madrid as well as Premier League rivals Chelsea and European champions Real Madrid.
- Key Points
- Why is Martin Zubimendi linked with an exit from Arsenal?
- Which clubs are competing to secure Zubimendi’s signature?
- How do squad additions and financial factors impact Arsenal’s decision?
- Background of Martin Zubimendi’s Transfer Development
- Prediction: How This Development May Affect the Relevant Audiences
Why is Martin Zubimendi linked with an exit from Arsenal?
As reported by Ewan Scrimgeour of FootballTransfers, Zubimendi has experienced a dramatic reduction in first-team playing time during his second season in North London. Having played a prominent role throughout his debut 2025–26 campaign at Arsenal, the Spanish midfielder has since been pushed down the pecking order following the high-profile summer arrival of Brazilian international Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle United.
Statistical records reveal that Zubimendi has accumulated just 380 minutes of competitive action from a possible 1,530 minutes across all competitions so far in the 2026–27 season. Crucially, the 27-year-old is yet to make a single starting lineup appearance in the Premier League this term. Sources indicate that should his playing time fail to show substantial improvement over the coming weeks, the player will actively pursue an exit options when the transfer window reopens in January.
Which clubs are competing to secure Zubimendi’s signature?
According to reporting by FootballTransfers, Atletico Madrid are positioning themselves to finalise a move for the Spanish international, whom manager Diego Simeone considers a long-term strategic target. Simeone’s side previously established contact with Zubimendi’s representatives during his tenure at Real Sociedad and have now renewed their pursuit as part of a wider drive to reinforce their central midfield options in 2027.
Concurrently, reports from The Independent confirm that both Chelsea and Real Madrid maintain a keen interest in Zubimendi’s ongoing situation in North London. However, any prospective suitor will need to meet significant financial demands set by the Arsenal hierarchy.
As detailed by Spanish publication AS, Arsenal originally committed a total fee of €70 million (£59.9 million) to sign Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. The Premier League outfit have established that a sale will not be permitted unless the full €70 million outlay is recouped. Should Atletico Madrid meet this valuation, Zubimendi would become the fourth-most expensive signing in the Spanish club’s history, trailing only João Félix, Julián Álvarez, and Thomas Lemar.
How do squad additions and financial factors impact Arsenal’s decision?
As reported by Spanish news outlet AS, Arsenal’s willingness to offload Zubimendi stems partly from a requirement to balance their financial commitments. The club engaged in significant expenditure over the summer transfer window, securing defensive and offensive reinforcements including Ezri Konsa, Christos Tzolis, and Bruno Guimarães.
The report further claims that Zubimendi may not be the sole marquee departure from North London, with forward Viktor Gyökeres and midfielder Mikel Merino also reportedly facing potential moves as Arsenal restructure their first-team squad ahead of future window activity.
In additional coverage broadcast by Spanish media outlet RNE, sports director Silvia Barba stated that alternative structures—including potential player-swap proposals involving Atletico Madrid forward Julián Álvarez—have also been discussed within Spanish media circles, highlighting the active dialogue surrounding Zubimendi’s potential return to La Liga.
Background of Martin Zubimendi’s Transfer Development
Martin Zubimendi rose to prominence through the youth academy of Basque club Real Sociedad, establishing himself as one of European football’s most technically gifted deep-lying playmakers. His control, tactical discipline, and composure under pressure attracted continuous interest from top European clubs, including Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Arsenal.
In the summer of 2025, Arsenal secured Zubimendi’s signature in a transaction valued at €70 million. During his initial 2025–26 debut season, Zubimendi featured regularly as Arsenal captured the Premier League title, operating as a primary defensive pivot in Mikel Arteta’s system. However, tactical adjustments during the summer of 2026 saw Arsenal heavily invest in Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimarães to add dynamic vertical movement and physical drive to the central midfield.
This tactical shift, alongside the emergence of versatile squad options such as Myles Lewis-Skelly, substantially restricted Zubimendi’s starting opportunities, relegating the European Championship winner to a peripheral role within the squad.
Prediction: How This Development May Affect the Relevant Audiences
Impact on Arsenal Football Club
For Arsenal, liquidating Zubimendi’s contract at the target €70 million valuation would provide crucial financial flexibility under Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Recouping the full transfer fee allows the club to offset their substantial summer recruitment drive while freeing significant wage allocation. However, parting with a proven international midfielder mid-season risks diminishing squad depth during the crucial run-in for domestic and European honours, putting greater physical strain on starting options like Declan Rice and Bruno Guimarães.
Impact on Atletico Madrid and Diego Simeone
Securing Zubimendi would provide Atletico Madrid with a long-term solution in their central midfield, filling a tactical void for a controlling pivot capable of transitioning play out of defense. Integrating a established Spain international would enhance their domestic competitiveness in La Liga and strengthen their UEFA Champions League campaign. Financially, committing €70 million would represent a major capital outlay for the Spanish club, likely requiring careful financial structuring or player sales to remain compliant with La Liga’s strict economic controls.
Impact on Martin Zubimendi
A January transfer offers Zubimendi an immediate resolution to his lack of regular playing time. Returning to La Liga under Diego Simeone would restore his status as a key starter, which is critical for maintaining his place and match sharpness within the Spanish national team squad ahead of major international fixtures. Conversely, transitioning to Atletico’s high-intensity defensive system would require rapid tactical adaptation following eighteen months in Mikel Arteta’s possession-heavy framework.
