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Atlético Madrid are lining up to sign Arsenal star Martín Zubimendi, and a Spain teammate has encouraged him to join the La Liga side in the winter market.

The midfielder has had a contrasting spell since joining Arsenal from Real Sociedad in July 2025.

Last season, Mikel Arteta used him regularly as he featured in every Premier League clash and played 4,299 minutes in 57 matches.

In the summer window, the Gunners signed Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle United. His arrival and Myles Lewis-Skelly’s emergence has seen the Spain international drop further down the pecking order.

Zubimendi has played 380 minutes after 12 matches this season. It includes 100 minutes in seven league matches and 167 minutes in the EFL Cup.

Atlético option for Arsenal player

The 27-year-old has played 11 minutes in the Premier League since the last international break. The restricted role under Mikel Arteta has already led to reports of an Emirates exit in the next window.

Real Madrid wanted to sign him before his move to the north London club. His situation at Arsenal has led to suggestions of Los Blancos as an option while their local rivals, Atlético Madrid, are also keen on signing him.

Earlier on Tuesday, Sport Witness covered multiple reports from Spain explaining that he’s close to joining Los Rojiblancos.

There has also been talk of Atlético striker Julián Álvarez entering the operation as part of the deal for Martín Zubimendi.

ARSENAL → LA LIGA
Direct departures · Past decade
Sport Witness
Year Player Destination Move
2017 Gabriel Paulista Valencia Permanent transfer
2017 Lucas Pérez Deportivo La Coruña Season-long loan
2017 Joel Campbell Real Betis Season-long loan
2018 Francis Coquelin Valencia Permanent transfer
2018 Santi Cazorla Villarreal Free transfer after contract expiry
2019 Nacho Monreal Real Sociedad Permanent transfer
2020 Lucas Torreira Atlético Madrid Season-long loan
2021 Héctor Bellerín Real Betis Season-long loan
2022 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Barcelona Free transfer after contract termination
2022 Héctor Bellerín Barcelona Free transfer
2023 Kieran Tierney Real Sociedad Season-long loan
2024 Albert Sambi Lokonga Sevilla Season-long loan
2024 Karl Hein Real Valladolid Season-long loan
2025 Thomas Partey Villarreal Free transfer after contract expiry
2026 Gabriel Jesus Barcelona Permanent transfer
14 PLAYERS 15 moves · 7 loans
Covers 10 November 2016 to 10 November 2026. Includes moves to clubs competing in La Liga at the time, plus immediate free-agent moves after leaving Arsenal. Bellerín is listed twice for separate transfers. Excludes returns of incoming loanees to their parent clubs, including Dani Ceballos and Denis Suárez. Jon Toral’s Granada loan began before the date window and is excluded.
Updated: 10 November 2026.
SPORT WITNESS

Encouraged to leave Arsenal for Atlético

The midfielder is with the national team, preparing for the UEFA Nations League matches against the Czech Republic and England during this international break. Atlético Madrid’s Álex Baena is also part of Luis de la Fuente’s squad.

Both the 25-year-old and Martín Zubimendi have been regulars for La Roja for the last two years. The duo were also part of their World Cup winning squad in the summer.

Baena spoke to Cadena Ser’s El Larguero, who asked him about signing his teammate for Diego Simeone’s side.

Responding to that, he said: “Zubimendi to Atlético? I’d love for him to come. He’d be a great addition to the team and the dressing room, because he’s a great person. We already know he’s the second best after Rodri in his position.”

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