Martín Zubimendi’s fortunes at Arsenal have changed in a matter of months. A key figure in last season’s Premier League title triumph, the midfielder reached the November international break without a single league start this campaign.
His lack of playing time has revived speculation about a return to Spain. According to The Independent, Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid are monitoring his situation ahead of the January transfer window, as are Chelsea. Other reports have linked him particularly closely with a move to the Metropolitano.
Speaking to Marca while on international duty with Spain, Zubimendi dismissed suggestions that he was close to joining Atlético. “There’s nothing to it, and I’m not close to any move,” he said. Asked whether he expected to stay at Arsenal until June, he replied, “I think so. I’m happy here.”
On the competition for places since Bruno Guimarães arrived, Zubimendi said, “I spoke to Arteta at the start of the season. He told me there were new signings and that everyone would get minutes. Now we’re fighting for them.”
Zubimendi joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad in July 2025 for around £60 million. He made 57 appearances in his debut season, scoring five goals in 38 league games and helping Arsenal reach the Champions League final.
This season, he has made 12 appearances in all competitions. He has come off the bench seven times in the Premier League, played twice in the Champions League and twice in the League Cup, and featured in the Community Shield.
Arteta has recently favoured Guimarães and Declan Rice in midfield, with Myles Lewis-Skelly also in contention. For Zubimendi, the immediate challenge when he returns from Spain duty is to win back his starting place.
