Arteta clears path for Zubimendi as Real Madrid re‑emerge

Arsenal beat Everton on Saturday, moving level on points with Premier League leaders Manchester City after the latter fell to Aston Villa. In the same week, head coach Mikel Arteta gave the green light for midfielder Martin Zubimendi to leave for Real Madrid, reports say.

Arsenal's win levels them with leaders

Goals from defender Ezri Konsa and centre‑back Gabriel Magalhaes secured all three points, marking Arsenal’s seventh victory from eight Premier League matches this term. The win lifted the Gunners to the same points total as Manchester City, who were undone by an early‑kickoff defeat to Aston Villa.

Zubimendi's future and Real Madrid link

Martin Zubimendi has not started a Premier League game this term, despite featuring in Arsenal’s title‑winning side last season. He made a ten‑minute cameo at the end of the Everton match, his first appearance since the international break, before picking up an injury.

Arteta confirmed Zubimendi’s fitness ahead of the fixture, saying, “[Zubimendi] had a few opportunities, then he had the injury and it’s true that he had one game where he was almost fully available to play some minutes. From now, he needs to earn the right to play, but he’s been exceptional, whatever the role he had to assume, and I expect that from every player, and he’s a player that deserves more minutes at the moment.”

Arteta praises Arsenal after tough Bayern duel and win over Everton

The Gunners boss also urged his midfielders to add more goals, noting, “Martin has already scored a few goals, Bruno has done the same, Declan has done the same. That’s what we need in relation to the position they play on the day, that they have that licence and especially the aggression to penetrate and to damage the opposition.”

Spanish media claim Arteta has opened the door for Zubimendi to join Real Madrid, with the Spanish giants back in the running as a possible destination for a player who needs to regain consistency and a more prominent midfield role.

The reports add that both Real Madrid and Chelsea are monitoring the situation and could consider a winter transfer if Zubimendi’s minutes do not improve, although no concrete offer has emerged. Arteta says the issue remains open; should the Spaniard continue as a late substitute, his representatives and Arsenal will review any offers to reach a satisfactory outcome for all parties.