Zubimendi may seek January exit from Arsenal after losing starting spot

Martin Zubimendi’s Arsenal career appears to be approaching a crossroads barely 14 months after it started. The 27-year-old Spanish midfielder, who arrived from Real Sociedad in July 2025 for a reported €70 million (£60 million), has indicated he could push for a move in January if his playing time doesn’t improve under Mikel Arteta.

The 2026/27 season has seen Zubimendi reduced to a squad player role, with competition from newer arrivals like Bruno Guimaraes squeezing him out of the starting lineup.

From key signing to peripheral figure

When Arsenal secured Zubimendi’s signature on a five-year deal running through 2030, it felt like a statement of intent. The fee, roughly £60 million, reflected his standing as one of La Liga’s most complete midfielders.

His debut season offered enough to justify the investment. Zubimendi contributed goals across the Premier League and cup competitions during the 2025/26 campaign.

Zubimendi has found himself starting mainly as a rotation option rather than a first-choice midfielder in the current season.

No shortage of suitors

Reports from early September indicate that Chelsea and Real Madrid have both expressed interest in the Spaniard.

Chelsea’s interest carries an intriguing subplot. The club’s connections to former midfielder Xabi Alonso, who shares Zubimendi’s Basque roots, have reportedly helped fuel their pursuit.

Beyond those two marquee names, up to six other clubs made inquiries about Zubimendi during the summer transfer window.

Athletic Bilbao represents another possible destination, though that move comes with conditions attached. The Basque club would likely need to secure Champions League qualification by January to make the financials work.

The Arteta dilemma

Zubimendi has reportedly signaled that he wants to fight for his place first. The January exit is positioned as a contingency plan rather than a first preference, giving both player and club a window of roughly three months to find a workable arrangement before the transfer market reopens.

With his contract running until 2030, Arsenal hold significant leverage in any negotiation.

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