Atletico Madrid Eyes Arsenal Midfielder Martin Zubimendi for January

Atletico Madrid is closely monitoring Martin Zubimendi's situation at Arsenal as the club plans its roster adjustments for the upcoming winter transfer window. According to reports from Radio Nacional de España, the Spanish midfielder has emerged as a prime target for the Madrid-based club, which previously tracked him during his time at Real Sociedad.

Zubimendi joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2025 in a deal valued at approximately 60 million euros. After featuring prominently during his debut campaign in the Premier League, his role has diminished significantly this season. The arrival of Bruno Guimarães and heightened midfield competition have limited Zubimendi to just 380 minutes of action across 12 appearances in all competitions, with only a single full match played in the UEFA Champions League against Slavia Prague.

Arsenal is reportedly open to parting ways with several players in order to balance its financial accounts and fund future squad renewals. Alongside Zubimendi, teammates Viktor Gyökeres and Mikel Merino have also been linked with potential exits from the Emirates Stadium due to a lack of regular playing time. Despite these financial motivations, any potential departure will require substantial negotiations, as the English club holds his contract through 2030 and looks to recoup its initial investment.

The prospective transfer has also sparked wider interest within Spanish football. While Atletico Madrid's sporting department, led by Mateu Alemany, views Zubimendi as a key addition to enhance their midfield organization and defensive balance, Real Madrid has also monitored the player. Reports indicate that Real Madrid previously considered the midfielder following requests from coach Xabi Alonso, though internal squad constraints and the presence of existing midfielders have complicated any immediate pursuit by the cross-town rivals.

Teammates and figures within Spanish football have already begun commenting on the potential move. Spain international Álex Baena publicly endorsed a prospective transfer, stating that the midfielder would be a major reinforcement for any squad. Nevertheless, no formal agreement has been finalized between the clubs.

As the winter transfer window approaches, Atletico Madrid continues to evaluate its options to strengthen the squad for the remainder of the season. Whether the club can reach a financial agreement with Arsenal remains the primary obstacle in securing the midfielder's return to Spanish football.