Atlético and Madrid battle for Zubimendi, his Arsenal stint shrinks

Martín Zubimendi, whose playing time at Arsenal has been reduced to 380 minutes in 12 matches, is attracting interest from Atlético de Madrid, Real Madrid and Chelsea, who are competing for his signing in the January transfer window.

Little presence at Arsenal

Martín Zubimendi celebrated a goal with Arsenal. The celebration photo was taken by Alastair Grant for Ap‑LaPresse. He is not going through his best period at Arsenal.

This season he has only started three times: twice in the EFL Cup and once in the Champions League against Slavia Prague. In total he has played 380 minutes in 12 matches across all competitions. The player's surroundings have begun to consider a winter market exit. Last season he was a substitute under Mikel Arteta, although he added minutes.

The arrival of Bruno Guimarães for £85 million has worsened his situation. Before moving to London, the club had already tried to sign him when he was playing at Real Sociedad.

Club interest in his signing

Walter Zimmermann said: “He’s close” and “I would love Zubimendi to come to Atlético”. Radio Nacional de España reported that Atlético de Madrid would consider his signing if he is available. According to The Independent, Chelsea and Real Madrid are also interested in the midfielder. Xabi Alonso, at Stamford Bridge, dreams of managing Zubimendi again, whom he coached at Real Sociedad B.

Atlético Madrid target Arsenal midfielder Martín Zubimendi in January

Alonso had approached the player last season for Real Madrid. Zimmermann added: “I understand that someone may want to leave if Barça or Madrid come, but the manners were off‑putting”. Real Madrid need midfielders and have started to operate with Bernardo Silva and Federico Valverde. Concha Espina dismissed his signing in the summer of 2025, despite Xabi’s insistence.

Currently, the signing is not a priority for Real Madrid in the winter market. Miguel Delaney of The Independent states that Real Madrid is among the three clubs chasing the player in the January window. Real Madrid, Atlético and Chelsea are competing for Zubimendi, valued at £60 million. The English club aims to recoup the £60 million invested in his signing in 2025.

Martín Zubimendi, 27, signed for Arsenal in a £60 million deal. After a strong start, his prominence waned towards the end of the Premier League title campaign. Real Madrid rumours resurfaced after the club failed to secure Rodri. Real Madrid has found balance in the centre with Bernardo Silva in a deeper role and Federico Valverde as right‑back.

Atletico Madrid target Zubimendi while Arsenal weigh swap options

The clubs involved are Atlético, Real Madrid and Chelsea. All are competing for a midfielder valued at £60 million.