Martin Zubimendi transfer: Chelsea and Madrid clubs monitor Arsenal midfielder

Chelsea, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are monitoring Martin Zubimendi ahead of a possible January move, according to The Independent.

The Arsenal midfielder’s reduced role has encouraged interest from the three clubs, although the report does not announce a bid or an agreement over his departure.

Zubimendi joined from Real Sociedad for £60m in summer 2025 and helped Arsenal win the Premier League title. His position has become less secure following increased competition in Mikel Arteta’s midfield.

Why Martin Zubimendi is attracting January interest

The Independent’s Miguel Delaney reports that Chelsea and the two Madrid clubs regard Zubimendi as a high-level midfielder who could become available during the winter window.

That assessment centres on his circumstances at Arsenal. Delaney says Arteta still values the Spain international and the different midfield combinations he makes possible, but other players have moved ahead of him.

Interest from potential buyers therefore does not amount to confirmation that Arsenal have decided to sell. The club would still have to weigh an offer against the value of retaining an experienced midfield option.

Bruno Guimaraes arrival increases competition

Arsenal’s £85m summer signing of Bruno Guimaraes has changed the competition for places.

According to Delaney, Arteta has recently favoured Guimaraes and Declan Rice as his main midfield pair, with Myles Lewis-Skelly also involved. That has left Zubimendi with fewer opportunities than during the earlier stages of his Arsenal career.

His situation presents a decision over squad depth. A departure could release funds, but it would also remove an option Arteta continues to value during a season with several competitions to manage.

Would Arsenal sell Zubimendi for £60m?

Delaney suggests Arsenal would be expected to seek at least the £60m they paid if a transfer became possible. That is a reported expectation, rather than a confirmed asking price or an offer from an interested club.

The report also links potential departures to Arsenal’s attacking recruitment. Arteta wants a winger capable of carrying the ball forward quickly, with the forward line described as comparatively short of options.

Crucially, Delaney refers to strengthening that department in the summer. He reports that a major sale would probably be needed before Arsenal pursued such a signing; he does not establish a January replacement plan.

What happens next?

The next development to watch is whether the reported interest produces an approach that Arsenal are prepared to consider.

For now, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Atletico are being linked with a player whose role has diminished. The report leaves both Arsenal’s willingness to sanction a departure and the terms of any potential deal unresolved.

Our transfer news page will carry further developments. For the wider picture at Arsenal, see our Premier League coverage.