Arsenal have moved to dismiss speculation regarding the future of midfielder Martin Zubimendi, with reports from Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke indicating that the club holds no intention of selling the 27-year-old during the January transfer window. This stance directly challenges recent claims originating in the Spanish media that a deal for the Spanish international to join Real Madrid is already in progress.
Single unverified report.
The competing claims surrounding a January departure
The contradiction in reporting has centred on a claim made by El Confidencial journalist Javi Roldan, who asserted via social media that Zubimendi is set to join the European giants in the winter window. Roldan described the prospective move as a "great signing" for the Bernabeu club. However, this account is flatly contradicted by sources speaking to Football Insider. According to the report from Pete O'Rourke, the hierarchy at the Emirates Stadium is determined to keep the midfielder. Mikel Arteta is understood to be keen on maintaining the integrity of his squad for the remainder of a campaign that involves intensive domestic and European commitments, and the manager continues to view the Spaniard as an integral part of his rotation options despite his reduced playing time this season.
TransferNews database context
The TransferNews database records that Zubimendi arrived at Arsenal in July 2025 on a five-year contract, which ties him to the club until 2030. The Gunners paid a fee of €70 million to secure his services from Real Sociedad, and the club's firm valuation of the player reportedly remains at that same figure. This long-term agreement provides Arsenal with significant leverage, meaning they are under no financial or contractual pressure to facilitate an exit. While Spanish outlet Sport has suggested that Real Madrid would be expected to match that €70 million valuation to initiate a deal, Arsenal’s stance indicates that the midfielder is not for sale regardless of the financial offers that might arrive when the window opens.
Squad hierarchy and tactical fit
Zubimendi’s role within the squad has evolved significantly since the start of the 2026/27 campaign. Having been a key component of the side previously, he has found opportunities harder to come by as Mikel Arteta has integrated new signings and tactical shifts. The arrivals and development of players such as Bruno Guimaraes and the increased prominence of Myles Lewis-Skelly in central midfield have changed the pecking order. Statistics show the Spaniard has been limited to appearances in the League Cup and sporadic minutes off the bench, rather than the regular starting role he enjoyed during his debut season. Despite this, Arteta remains a vocal supporter, having stated in an August press conference that the team would not have reached the heights of their previous campaign—which included a Champions League final appearance—without Zubimendi’s contributions, emphasising that his importance extends beyond his current minute count.
Market interest from Real Madrid and Chelsea
Real Madrid’s interest in bolstering their midfield is well-documented, with the club having surveyed the market for a long-term solution following their failure to land other primary targets. Sources indicate that communication with the player’s camp has been maintained since initial enquiries were made during the summer of 2026. However, Real Madrid are not the only European side monitoring the situation. Chelsea, managed by Xabi Alonso, are also understood to be tracking the midfielder's status, as they look to add further depth to their own central options. Zubimendi is reported to have rejected potential moves to the Saudi Pro League, as his priority is to remain at the highest level of European football. His camp is expected to conduct a formal review of his situation with Arsenal management as the January window approaches, with his level of first-team involvement between now and then set to be the decisive factor in whether this situation escalates.
