Overview
- Multiple Spanish sources on Monday identified Atlético Madrid as the leading January suitor for Martin Zubimendi, with RNE reporting the player is ‘close’ to the club.
- The interest follows a sharp drop in Zubimendi’s role at Arsenal this season, with outlets citing roughly 12 appearances and about 380 minutes of action and only one full start.
- Reports say Zubimendi is willing to leave to regain regular football, but there has been no formal bid or comment from Arsenal or Atlético and negotiations have not been opened publicly.
- Spanish coverage frames any sale as linked to Arsenal’s need to raise funds for contract renewals and squad moves, and some outlets have floated a speculative swap involving Julián Álvarez as one possible structure.
- Zubimendi joined from Real Sociedad in July 2025 for about £55–60m, and a midseason exit would carry sporting risk for Arsenal because selling a senior midfielder could leave the squad short of depth.