Arsenal Transfer Prediction: Chelsea Join Real Madrid and Atlético in Martin Zubimendi Chase
Martin Zubimendi’s future at Arsenal is becoming an increasingly prominent transfer story, with Chelsea reportedly joining Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid in monitoring the Spain international ahead of the January 2027 window. The midfielder remains a highly regarded player, but his place in Mikel Arteta’s plans may be less secure than it was when he arrived at the Emirates Stadium.
According to The Independent, all three clubs are tracking Zubimendi’s situation as they assess options for strengthening their midfield. A move is not yet confirmed, and Arsenal have not indicated that they are actively seeking to sell him. However, a combination of intense competition for places and the club’s attacking ambitions could make his future one to watch as the winter transfer window approaches.
Why Zubimendi’s Arsenal role is under scrutiny
Zubimendi joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2025 and quickly became an important part of the squad. His composure in possession, positional awareness and ability to help control the tempo made him a natural fit for Arteta’s approach. He also contributed during a title-winning campaign, reinforcing the view that he can perform at the highest level.
Since then, however, the competition in central midfield has grown. Arsenal are reported to have spent £85 million on Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimarães last summer, while Declan Rice remains a major presence in the team. Myles Lewis-Skelly also gives Arteta another option. With several players competing for a limited number of starting places, Zubimendi has found it harder to secure a regular role.
A reduced number of appearances does not necessarily mean Arsenal have lost faith in him. Arteta is still said to value the Spaniard’s ability and potential. But for a player approaching the prime years of his career, regular football could become an important consideration—particularly if leading clubs offer him a clear route to a starting position.
Arsenal’s attacking plans could influence a transfer
One factor behind the transfer speculation is Arsenal’s desire to strengthen their forward line. Arteta is reportedly keen to add a quick winger who can carry the ball, beat opponents and drive attacks forward. That type of signing could give Arsenal another way to break down deep defences and add pace to their transition play.
Major transfers require careful financial planning, and Arsenal may need to sell a first-team player before committing to a significant attacking deal. Zubimendi has emerged as a possible candidate because the club have several alternatives in midfield. If Arsenal decide that moving him on is the best way to fund their forward-line ambitions, interest from Spain and England could quickly develop into a genuine contest.
That scenario remains a prediction rather than a certainty. Arsenal would need to weigh the benefits of raising funds against the risk of weakening a position that is central to Arteta’s system. The club could also decide that Zubimendi remains valuable as depth across a long season, especially with domestic and European commitments placing heavy demands on the squad.
Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid and Chelsea assess their options
Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid would each offer Zubimendi a different sporting setting. Madrid could appeal to a Spanish international seeking a return to his home country and a role at one of Europe’s most prominent clubs. Atlético, meanwhile, may see his control and tactical discipline as qualities that could strengthen their midfield structure.
Chelsea’s reported interest adds a Premier League dimension to the story. The London club could view Zubimendi as an experienced, technically assured option who understands the pace and demands of English football. Any approach would depend on Chelsea’s own squad priorities, their financial plans and whether they can offer a convincing role in the team.
For now, the three clubs are described as monitoring the situation rather than having completed a deal. Their interest may nevertheless increase pressure on Arsenal to clarify whether Zubimendi is part of the long-term project or available at the right price. A player with his experience and international standing is unlikely to lack potential suitors if the Gunners signal that they are open to negotiations.
Arsenal’s reported £60 million valuation
Arsenal are reportedly unwilling to let Zubimendi leave for less than the fee they paid Real Sociedad in 2025. That figure is understood to be at least £60 million. The valuation reflects not only his transfer cost but also his technical quality, age and experience at both club and international level.
His reduced playing time may affect how interested clubs assess the deal, but it does not erase his reputation. Zubimendi has shown that he can operate in demanding tactical systems, and his contribution to Arsenal’s title-winning season remains part of his value. He also played an influential role in the build-up to Ferran Torres’ winning goal for Spain at the World Cup last July, further underlining his importance to the national side.
Whether a club is willing to meet Arsenal’s asking price could be decisive. A January transfer often comes with added difficulty: selling clubs may be reluctant to lose a key player midway through the season, while buyers must decide whether the immediate need justifies a substantial fee. If more than one club makes a serious move, competition could strengthen Arsenal’s negotiating position.
Facial injury adds a short-term complication
Zubimendi is also dealing with a possible broken nose sustained during Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Everton last month. He entered the match as a substitute in the 80th minute but was struck in the face and required treatment. Arsenal have cleared him to play while wearing a protective mask as he recovers.
The injury is not, by itself, evidence that a transfer is imminent. It is a short-term issue that could affect his availability and comfort on the pitch, but the larger questions concern his role, Arsenal’s recruitment plans and the interest of rival clubs.
Transfer prediction: a situation to monitor, not a done deal
The most realistic prediction is that Zubimendi’s future will remain uncertain until Arsenal’s January priorities become clearer. Chelsea, Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid have reasons to monitor a midfielder of his profile, while Arsenal may consider a sale if it helps finance a major attacking signing. Yet the Gunners’ reported £60 million minimum and their need to maintain squad depth could make negotiations complicated.
For supporters, the key signals will be Zubimendi’s playing time, Arsenal’s progress in pursuing a winger and whether any interested club moves from observation to a formal offer. Until then, the Spain international remains an Arsenal player—and a potential headline name in the winter transfer market rather than a confirmed departure.
