Atlético stalks Zubimendi: the January bombshell is near

Spanish midfielder Martín Zubimendi is about to make a splash in the January window, as Atlético de Madrid has confirmed that his signing is close according to RNE sources, with director Mateu Alemany leading the negotiations from the Metropolitano offices.

Madrid, the winter market is already heating up in the Metropolitano offices.

Javier G. Gómara described the situation as "five fateful days and an eternal pause".

A special celebration and a "I love you" message were cited by the same author.

Mateu Alemany, director of Men's Professional Football at Atlético de Madrid, showed last season that he knows how to navigate this always complicated window.

Last year the club managed to sign Ademola Lookman, a first‑team striker who surprised the market.

This upcoming winter market the Balearic executive could make a splash again.

According to RNE and journalist Silvia Barba, there is a real possibility that Martín Zubimendi will move this winter.

A possible swap between Atlético de Madrid and Arsenal is being considered, with Zubimendi going to the London side and Julián Álvarez to the Madrid side.

The ostracism the Donostia midfielder experiences in London pushes him to look for a solution, and Atlético has been tracking him for a long time.

With the arrival of Rodrigo Mendoza, Obed Vargas, Johnny Cardoso and Morten Hjulmand, Atlético does not have an urgent need in midfield.

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

However, Mendoza and Vargas could leave this winter window in search of minutes they currently do not get.

At the Emirates Stadium, Zubimendi's situation has changed dramatically, losing the undisputed status he enjoyed at the start of the 26/27 campaign.

The strong competition from Bruno Guimarães, Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard and Mikel Merino has reduced his involvement to just over 100 minutes in his first seven league appearances.

In total he totals a meagre 200 minutes across the Premier League and the Champions League.

Possible agreement and figures

RNE revealed that the 27‑year‑old pivot is in the transfer market orbit and that moves have already been made to assess his availability when he was still a Real Sociedad player.

Talk is of a move to London for €70 million.

Julián Álvarez, whose situation at Atlético is still unresolved, has scored only two goals this season.

Atletico Madrid target Zubimendi while Arsenal weigh swap options

His frustrated desire to sign for FC Barcelona last summer and the complex rapport with the fans shape his daily life in Madrid.

Upcoming clash at the Metropolitano

The EA Sports League match of matchday 12 between Atlético de Madrid and FC Barcelona will be played at the Metropolitano stadium.

Arsenal had explored the addition of Álvarez in August as an alternative, but ultimately stayed in the Spanish capital.

Atlético's demands for Zubimendi remain firm at around €150 million, with the non‑negotiable condition of not strengthening Barcelona.

Real Madrid and Bayern Munich also closely monitor the Basque's future, although the white club has Aurélien Tchouaméni and Bernardo Silva in that position.

The next two months of competition will decide what happens with the Spanish international.