Martín Zubimendi could leave Arsenal in January as Atlético show interest

Martín Zubimendi, the Arsenal and Spain midfielder who joined the London club in summer 2025 for around €60 million, has emerged as a possible departure target for Atlético Madrid during the upcoming January transfer window.

From regular starter to limited minutes

Zubimendi was a regular in Mikel Arteta’s starting lineup in his first season at Arsenal and played a significant role in the squad that won the Premier League and reached the Champions League final. This season, however, his role has diminished sharply.

The Spaniard has accumulated just 380 minutes across 12 appearances in all competitions. He has been a starter only in the Champions League match against Slavia Prague and has not begun a single Premier League game this campaign.

His situation became more complicated after the summer arrival of Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle, who quickly established himself in Arteta’s midfield and pushed Zubimendi down the pecking order.

Arsenal are reportedly considering sales of several players to balance club finances, and Zubimendi is among those mentioned as potential departures as the club aims to recover as much of the initial outlay as possible. Sources also suggest the relationship between the player and Arteta is no longer at the level it was during his first season.

Atlético Madrid are said to be searching for midfield reinforcements — Diego Simeone’s side have lacked depth in central areas this season — and have tracked Zubimendi since his time at Real Sociedad. The two clubs maintain good relations after negotiating over other targets in the summer, and talks could be reopened in January. For now there is no confirmed agreement and Atlético’s interest must still be converted into a concrete offer.

Photo: press material from the event