Martin Zubimendi could be available for a January transfer away from Arsenal, with reports claiming the Spain international is now open to considering his future at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal are understood not to want the 27-year-old midfielder to leave in the middle of the season. However, his reduced role in Mikel Arteta’s side has fuelled speculation over a possible departure.
A report claims that as many as seven clubs have been alerted to Zubimendi’s potential availability. Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea and Liverpool are all said to be monitoring the situation.
Martin Zubimendi’s Arsenal future
The reported change in the player’s position may also indicate a shift in Arsenal’s stance, although the club are still understood to regard Zubimendi as an important part of their plans for the current campaign.
Zubimendi initially impressed in an Arsenal shirt during the first half of last season, but his form subsequently dipped. He appeared tired and less confident as the campaign progressed, and has since found it difficult to secure a regular starting place.
Lewis-Skelly became Arteta’s preferred partner for Declan Rice towards the end of last season, while Bruno Guimaraes added further competition after joining from Newcastle United during the summer.
Despite that competition, Zubimendi is considered capable of starting for several other leading clubs. Arsenal could nevertheless be reluctant to sanction a mid-season move, with injuries and suspensions potentially leaving Arteta dependent on his squad players.
For now, the midfielder’s future remains uncertain, with interest from major clubs likely to intensify if he continues to spend time outside Arsenal’s starting line-up.
