Zubimendi: the impossible return to Atlético de Madrid

Martín Zubimendi, 27, remains under Mikel Arteta's management at Arsenal but does not enjoy his full confidence, so the club has put him up for sale in the winter market, although his possible return to the Metropolitano of Atlético de Madrid seems almost impossible.

Javier G. Gómara notes that Zubimendi has always shown interest in Atlético de Madrid. Arsenal paid seventy million to Real Sociedad to sign the Basque.

Financial and squad obstacles

The red-and-white side already has four midfielders: Barrios, Koke, Cardoso and Hjulmand. Moreover, Atlético de Madrid does not have the financial muscle to fund his signing. The only way to complete the deal would be a loan, unless there is a major sale at Atlético.

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Arsenal does not consider the loan option and, unlike Atlético, Real Madrid and Chelsea, led by Xabi Alonso, do have resources to bid for him. Cardona said there is no news about Atlético's interest. Mateu Alemany has indicated that the club's priority in January is to strengthen the left‑back position, where they only have Alejandro Grimaldo and could turn to Hancko.

The Slovak Hjulmand, who usually plays as a left‑back for his national team, has said he is unaware of any interest from Atlético. Hjulmand commented that the press sometimes surprises him and that there should be more caution with rumours. Zubimendi said he is annoyed by fake news and that he has to check Twitter to respond to fans.