Atletico Madrid target Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi amid transfer uncertainty

Martin Zubimendi could leave Arsenal in the final months of the season as the club considers player sales to strengthen its financial position.

Atletico Madrid are among the leading contenders to sign the Spain midfielder, with the Madrid club encouraged by its positive relationship with Arsenal and Zubimendi’s desire to regain a more prominent role.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, Atletico have long admired Zubimendi and previously explored the possibility of signing him while he was still at Real Sociedad. The club contacted people close to the player to assess his situation, but Zubimendi had already reached an agreement with the north London club at that stage.

Arsenal need to raise funds quickly. Despite a successful campaign under Mikel Arteta, the club’s finances are not developing as planned.

The Gunners intend to renew the contracts of only three key players regarded as indispensable to the team. Other members of the squad could be made available for transfer as Arsenal seek to improve their financial position and continue the approach seen with Gabriel Martinelli, who joined Al Hilal for about 70m euros.

Several players could therefore change clubs in the coming months. Viktor Gyokeres, Mikel Merino and Zubimendi are among those who could depart, along with a number of other names.

Zubimendi’s possible exit would not be linked to a lack of commitment or ability. Instead, it would reflect Arsenal’s financial requirements and the player’s reduced importance since the start of the season.

His role has diminished significantly compared with last season, when he remained in contention until March for the Premier League’s best signing award. He is now primarily a substitute option.

The arrival of Bruno Guimaraes, who adapted quickly to the side that won the Premier League title, has made Zubimendi’s route into the starting XI even more difficult. There is now little opportunity for him to compete regularly for a first-team place.

Zubimendi has played only 380 minutes across 12 matches this season and has completed 90 minutes just once, against Slavia Prague in the Champions League. His other appearances have been limited to short spells, a modest return for a player Arsenal signed for 60m euros less than two years ago.

Arsenal will seek to recover the value of their investment, while the clubs’ good relationship could help negotiations. The situation involving Julian Alvarez, over whom there was movement last summer, also remains a subject of discussion at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal could consequently offer Atletico a reduced fee during the Christmas period. However, despite the Spanish club’s strong interest and determination, reaching an agreement is not expected to be straightforward.

The fixture listings show Newcastle United playing Arsenal in the Premier League on 21 November 2026, while Getafe are listed against Atletico Madrid in La Liga on 22 November 2026.