Martin Zubimendi’s future at Arsenal has suddenly become one of the stories to watch ahead of the January 2027 transfer window.
The Spanish midfielder is reportedly considering a departure from the Emirates after struggling to establish himself as a regular starter under Mikel Arteta. If his situation does not improve before the turn of the year, Real Madrid could provide an escape route.
According to Spanish journalist Javi Roldan of El Confidencial, Zubimendi is expected to join Real Madrid when the winter transfer window opens.
The report would represent a significant turn in the midfielder’s career. Just over a year ago, Arsenal secured his signature from Real Sociedad despite interest from Madrid. Now, the Spanish giants are reportedly back in the picture.
Real Madrid’s Interest in Martin Zubimendi Is Nothing New
Real Madrid’s interest in Martin Zubimendi did not suddenly emerge because of his current situation at Arsenal.
The club had already considered the midfielder during the summer of 2025, when he was still playing for Real Sociedad. At that time, Xabi Alonso, who was then in charge of Real Madrid, reportedly wanted to bring Zubimendi to the Spanish capital.
Arsenal ultimately won the race.
The Gunners completed a deal worth €70 million, or around £60 million, to bring the Spain international to London.
Zubimendi initially made a positive impression at Arsenal and appeared to be settling into Arteta’s system.
However, his position within the team has changed significantly.
Zubimendi Struggling for Regular Starts
The biggest factor behind the latest transfer speculation is Zubimendi’s lack of regular playing time.
His role in Arteta’s starting XI began to decrease during the latter stages of the previous period, and the situation has continued into the current season.
The 27-year-old defensive midfielder has yet to establish himself as a consistent starter.
His appearances this season underline the problem. Zubimendi has made four Premier League appearances as a substitute and has also been used as a substitute once in the Champions League.
For a player who arrived at Arsenal with a significant transfer fee and considerable expectations, that situation is difficult to ignore.
Zubimendi also enters this period with considerable international pedigree. He was part of the Spain team that won the 2026 World Cup during the summer.
That success makes his limited role at club level even more notable.
January Could Become a Turning Point
With Zubimendi struggling to break into Arteta’s preferred lineup, reports of a possible January departure have gained momentum.
Roldan claims that Real Madrid are preparing to make Zubimendi their signing during the winter transfer window.
“Zubimendi will be Madrid’s signing in the winter transfer window,” Roldan wrote on X on Monday, September 14, 2026.
The report also suggests that his arrival could benefit Madrid beyond simply strengthening the midfield.
Roldan believes Zubimendi could give Arda Guler greater freedom to enjoy his football while helping the team compete more effectively during important moments of the season.
Whether that move ultimately happens remains dependent on several factors, particularly Zubimendi’s situation at Arsenal between now and January.
Madrid Have Continued Their Interest
The latest report is not the only indication that Real Madrid remain interested in Zubimendi.
According to information cited by TEAMtalk, Madrid have continued communication with the player’s camp after making an initial approach during the summer of 2026.
That suggests the interest is more than a short-term reaction to his lack of minutes at Arsenal.
Real Madrid have apparently kept the situation under observation, while Chelsea are also reported to be monitoring the midfielder’s circumstances.
The presence of multiple interested clubs could become significant if Zubimendi decides that regular first-team football is necessary.
Zubimendi Could Push for an Arsenal Exit
The most important factor could ultimately be the player himself.
According to Graeme Bailey, Zubimendi would push to leave Arsenal in the middle of the season if he has still failed to secure a place in Arteta’s starting XI by the turn of the year.
That would give Arsenal a clear period in which to change the situation.
If Zubimendi receives more opportunities and becomes an important part of Arteta’s plans, the transfer speculation could lose momentum.
If his limited role continues, however, January could become a realistic point for both the player and interested clubs to reassess the situation.
The key questions surrounding his future are therefore straightforward:
- Can Zubimendi regain a regular starting role at Arsenal?
- Will Mikel Arteta increase his involvement before January?
- How serious is Real Madrid’s interest?
- Could Chelsea enter the race?
- Will Zubimendi request a move if his situation does not improve?
Arsenal Face a Difficult Decision
For Arsenal, Zubimendi’s situation presents an interesting dilemma.
The club invested €70 million to sign the midfielder from Real Sociedad, so allowing him to leave only a short time later would represent a major decision.
At the same time, keeping an unhappy player who is not receiving regular minutes could also create its own complications.
The next few months could therefore be crucial.
Arsenal will have to determine whether Zubimendi remains an important part of Arteta’s long-term plans or whether an offer from Real Madrid provides an opportunity to resolve a situation that has become increasingly difficult.
For Zubimendi, the decision is equally significant. A move to Madrid would represent a return to Spain and an opportunity to play for one of the biggest clubs in European football.
But before that possibility becomes reality, he still has the chance to change the narrative at Arsenal.
January 2027 Could Decide Zubimendi’s Future
Martin Zubimendi’s reported situation is a reminder of how quickly a player’s circumstances can change.
He went from being a highly sought-after midfielder at Real Sociedad, to an Arsenal signing worth €70 million, and now potentially back into Real Madrid’s plans.
The coming months could determine which direction his career takes.
If Arteta restores him to the starting lineup, Zubimendi may have a reason to remain in North London.
If not, Real Madrid could be waiting.
For now, the midfielder’s future remains closely tied to one simple question: can he earn a regular place at Arsenal before the January transfer window opens?
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