Overview
- Reports this week say Martin Zubimendi has decided to pursue a transfer when the January window opens and that seven major European clubs have been informed of his availability.
- Clubs reportedly alerted include Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea and Liverpool, with interest described as preliminary rather than formal bids.
- Zubimendi has not started a Premier League match this season and his minutes have fallen after the arrival of Bruno Guimaraes and the rise of Myles Lewis-Skelly, plus minor injuries to his ankle and nose.
- Arsenal acknowledge the player's wish to move and will consider exits only on terms that protect the club’s £60m investment, with an initial loan being discussed as a likely structure.
- If a January move goes ahead it would give Zubimendi the regular minutes he wants but could test Arsenal’s squad depth during a title defence, so the club’s handling of any deal will shape both his career and their midseason options.