Martin Zubimendi’s future at Arsenal has become a major talking point, with reports suggesting that the Spanish midfielder could push for a January departure if his situation at the Emirates Stadium does not improve.
The midfielder, who arrived with enormous expectations, is reportedly facing an increasingly difficult battle to secure regular first-team football under Mikel Arteta, raising questions about whether his long-term future remains in North London.
Zubimendi established himself as one of the most technically gifted midfielders in European football during his time at Real Sociedad. His intelligence, composure on the ball, defensive awareness, and ability to control the tempo of matches made him an attractive signing for Arsenal, who wanted to strengthen their midfield options and compete for the biggest trophies.
However, his situation has reportedly changed following increased competition for places, with Myles Lewis-Skelly and Bruno Guimarães among the players competing for midfield opportunities. The growing competition has made it more difficult for Zubimendi to establish himself as an automatic starter, and the uncertainty surrounding his role could become a major issue as the January transfer window approaches.
According to recent transfer reports, Zubimendi could consider requesting a transfer if he continues to struggle for regular minutes. The possibility of a departure would represent a significant development for Arsenal, particularly because the club worked hard to secure his services and expected him to become an important figure in Arteta’s midfield.
The Spanish international is believed to want clarity about his position within the squad. Although competition is inevitable at a club with Arsenal’s ambitions, every player wants to feel that his performances and contributions will be rewarded with meaningful opportunities.
For Zubimendi, the concern is reportedly not simply about being left out of one or two matches. Instead, the bigger question is whether he can continue developing and performing at his best if he cannot consistently play the role he expected when joining the club.
Arsenal’s midfield has become increasingly competitive, and Arteta now has several options available when selecting his team. Declan Rice remains an important presence, while other midfielders offer different qualities depending on the opponent and the tactical approach required.
Lewis-Skelly’s emergence has added another dimension to the competition, while Guimarães’ arrival has created further pressure on players hoping to establish themselves in the starting eleven.
For Arteta, having several quality midfielders is normally a positive situation. It allows him to rotate his team, manage fatigue, and adjust his tactics depending on the demands of each fixture. However, maintaining harmony within such a talented squad can become challenging when established players begin questioning their roles.
Zubimendi will want to know whether Arteta still considers him a central part of Arsenal’s long-term project or whether his responsibilities are likely to remain limited. The answer could determine whether he decides to remain patient or explore opportunities elsewhere.
The midfielder’s qualities make the situation particularly interesting. He is comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, understands when to accelerate or slow down possession, and can help his team maintain control during difficult periods of a match.
These qualities were among the reasons Arsenal pursued him in the first place. His ability to provide structure in midfield was expected to help the team transition smoothly between defence and attack while giving their more creative players the freedom to influence matches in advanced positions.
Consequently, losing him during the middle of the season would not necessarily be a straightforward decision for Arsenal. Even if he is not currently enjoying the playing time he wants, his technical abilities and experience could become particularly valuable during a demanding second half of the campaign.
Arsenal are competing with ambitious rivals, and squad depth can make the difference between winning trophies and falling short. Allowing an experienced midfielder to leave in January could force the club to reconsider its plans, especially if suitable replacements are unavailable.
Nevertheless, the player’s ambitions must also be considered. Zubimendi is an established Spanish international, and maintaining his position among Europe’s leading midfielders requires regular opportunities to demonstrate his abilities.
A prolonged period without consistent starts could affect his confidence and create uncertainty about his future with the national team. For a player who wants to compete at the highest level, spending too much time on the sidelines is unlikely to be an attractive long-term prospect.
Real Madrid and Chelsea have reportedly been monitoring Zubimendi’s situation, with both clubs previously linked to the midfielder. Their interest could become relevant if Arsenal’s midfielder decides that a fresh challenge would offer him a better opportunity to play regularly.
Real Madrid could view him as a potential solution to their need for greater control and organisation in midfield. His ability to dictate possession and protect the defence would make him an interesting option for a club seeking greater balance in the centre of the pitch.
Chelsea could also consider his qualities valuable as they continue looking for ways to strengthen their midfield. However, interest from either club does not guarantee that a transfer will happen, and any negotiations would depend on the player’s wishes, Arsenal’s position, and the financial terms involved.
Arsenal are unlikely to welcome the prospect of losing a player they signed to strengthen their midfield. Arteta has repeatedly demonstrated that he values tactical discipline and technical quality, and Zubimendi possesses many of the characteristics required to succeed in his system.
The manager could therefore attempt to resolve the situation by giving the midfielder more opportunities over the coming weeks. A consistent run of appearances could restore his confidence, allow him to rebuild momentum, and convince him that his future remains at the Emirates Stadium.
There is also the possibility that injuries, fixture congestion, and tactical adjustments could create additional opportunities. Arsenal will need contributions from several midfielders if they are to maintain their competitiveness across multiple competitions, making Zubimendi’s experience potentially important.
However, if his role remains unchanged, the January transfer window could become a decisive period. The midfielder may have to consider whether staying at Arsenal is the best option for his career or whether moving to another European club would provide the regular football he wants.
For Arsenal supporters, the possibility of losing Zubimendi would raise important questions about the club’s midfield plans. The Spanish international arrived with expectations of becoming a key player, and a departure only months after his arrival would be a significant development.
It would also place pressure on the club’s recruitment strategy. Arsenal would need to explain how a player brought in to strengthen the team could become unsettled so quickly, while supporters would want assurances that the squad remains capable of competing for major honours.
At the same time, it would be unfair to assume that Zubimendi has already decided to leave. Transfer speculation can develop rapidly, particularly when a talented player is not starting regularly, and the situation could change considerably before January.
His immediate priority will be to recover his fitness, impress Arteta, and demonstrate that he deserves a more prominent role. The coming weeks could therefore be crucial in determining whether the midfielder remains committed to fighting for his place or begins seriously considering alternative destinations.
The biggest question is whether Arsenal can convince Zubimendi that he remains an important part of their future. If Arteta restores him to a regular role, the transfer speculation could quickly disappear. If the situation fails to improve, however, the possibility of a January departure could become increasingly difficult for the club to ignore.
For now, reports of an imminent transfer request should be treated cautiously. Zubimendi’s future remains uncertain, and there is no confirmed public announcement that he has formally asked Arsenal to sell him.
Nevertheless, with interest from other European clubs and growing competition for midfield places, his situation will be worth watching closely as the January transfer window approaches.