Atletico Madrid Linked With January Move For Martin Zubimendi

Martin Zubimendi could be heading for an exit from Arsenal in the coming months, according to Spanish outlet AS.

The Gunners are looking to raise funds to balance their books, with Zubimendi reportedly open to moving to a club where he would be a regular starter.

Atletico Madrid are believed to be one of the main contenders for the Spain international. They have a historic interest in Zubimendi and a good relationship with Arsenal.

Spanish radio station RNE, citing journalist Silvia Barba, reported that Zubimendi is close to joining Atletico in January. The move could involve Julian Alvarez going to Arsenal in exchange. Neither club has officially commented on the reported negotiations.

Money could make a deal difficult. Arsenal will look to recoup the €60m fee they paid for the Basque midfielder less than 18 months ago.

Arsenal paid slightly more than his €60m release clause in 2025, so they could spread the cost over instalments. Some Spanish outlets put the total fee at €70m. The midfielder’s contract runs until 2030.

The 27-year-old has been limited to a fringe role this season, starting just three matches for Arsenal and is yet to start a Premier League match this season.

TEAMtalk reported last week that Zubimendi is ready to leave Arsenal in January to get his career back on track. The outlet said a host of leading European clubs are aware of his situation.

A loan is one option Arsenal could consider, though any deal would need to work for the club as well as the player. Real Madrid, Barcelona and Chelsea are among the seven clubs reportedly informed.

Spanish reports also name Bayern Munich as a possible destination. They say there are no formal talks with any suitor, and that Arsenal still intend to keep him for now.

His standing at Arsenal fell further after the summer signing of Bruno Guimaraes, which increased competition in midfield.

Mikel Arteta has said Zubimendi remains an important figure for the team, even though he is not guaranteed a place in the starting line-up.

Zubimendi joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad in July 2025, after initially refusing to join Liverpool in 2024. In April, he said the talk linking him with Real Madrid had passed and that he was very happy at the club.

The January transfer window will show whether Arsenal and Zubimendi can agree terms that suit both sides.