Atletico Madrid consider Martin Zubimendi move as Arsenal role diminishes

Atletico Madrid are considering a move for Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi before the winter transfer window, with manager Diego Simeone keen to strengthen his midfield.

The Spanish midfielder has seen his role reduced at Arsenal in recent weeks, prompting speculation that he could consider leaving in search of more regular first-team football. His situation has attracted interest from several clubs, including Real Madrid, who monitored him until recently.

According to French website Foot Mercato, citing Radio Nacional de Espana (RNE), Atletico sporting director Mateu Alemany believes the squad still requires reinforcements. Zubimendi has been identified as an attractive option to add quality and depth in midfield.

Zubimendi, formerly of Real Sociedad, is understood to appeal strongly to Simeone. The Atletico manager views him as a substantial addition to the centre of the team and is interested in pairing him with Pablo Barrios.

However, reaching an agreement would be complicated. Atletico are expected to face competition from a number of European clubs for Zubimendi’s signature, while his reduced involvement at Arsenal does not automatically mean the club will be willing to let him leave.

RNE also discussed the future of Julian Alvarez, whose name was linked with Arsenal during the previous summer transfer window. The broadcaster raised the possibility that developments involving Zubimendi and Alvarez could be connected.

That could mean the two players moving in a single deal or becoming part of a potential swap agreement between Atletico Madrid and Arsenal. Such a structure would offer both clubs a way to reshape their squads while addressing their respective transfer priorities.

For now, though, a move in the opposite direction, involving Zubimendi and Alvarez changing clubs as part of the same arrangement, is considered unlikely. Despite that assessment, the possibility has added another potential twist to the transfer discussions surrounding the two players.

Simeone has not abandoned the idea of bringing in a major midfield signing, but any deal for Zubimendi would depend on negotiations with Arsenal, interest from other European clubs and the wider situation involving Alvarez.