Atletico's pursuit of Zubimendi intensifies as Arsenal weigh Gyokeres and Merino exits

Atletico Madrid are interested in signing Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi as the Gunners look to balance their books. According to AS, the Spanish international could leave the Emirates Stadium in the January or summer transfer window, with Atletico leading the race.

Financial pressure forces squad reshuffle

The Gunners reportedly need funds to finance several important contract renewals, meaning players outside Mikel Arteta’s core group could be sacrificed. Gabriel Martinelli left for Al-Hilal in a deal worth almost €70 million. Leandro Trossard also departed, and Zubimendi could be next.

Zubimendi emerges as Atletico target

The 27-year-old joined from Real Sociedad for around €60 million and enjoyed an encouraging start to life in north London. His form dipped in the second half of last season, and he has not fully recovered. This summer Arsenal added Bruno Guimaraes, who has quickly become a first‑team regular. Zubimendi has logged just 380 minutes in 12 appearances this term, completing only one full match against Slavia Prague in the Champions League.

He may be open to a move away, with Atletico keen to offer a more prominent role. Diego Simeone’s side previously explored a move for the midfielder when he was still at Real Sociedad, but Arsenal ultimately secured his signature. The existing relationship between the two clubs could help facilitate negotiations.

Atletico Madrid target Zubimendi while Arsenal weigh swap options

Chelsea might also enter the race, as rumours suggested they showed interest in his services in the final days of the summer transfer window. The Basque player is known to Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso, and the Blues could use him in central midfield.

Zubimendi is not the only Arsenal player with an uncertain future. Striker Viktor Gyokeres and midfielder Mikel Merino could be on the market. Gyokeres has failed to dislodge Kai Havertz up front and looks subpar when given minutes.

He may want another stomping ground. Merino is a bench weapon but cannot break into the established midfield trio. He could leave to find more playing time.