Zubimendi Set to Leave Arsenal as Liverpool Are Approached

Arsenal midfielder Martín Zubimendi is reportedly set to leave the club in the upcoming January transfer window. According to a report by TEAMtalk journalist Graeme Bailey, the 27-year-old has informed seven major European clubs about a potential move, with Liverpool among the teams approached.

Zubimendi joined Arsenal in 2025 for around £60 million, but has yet to start a Premier League match. The arrival of Bruno Guimarães last summer further narrowed his chances, while Myles Lewis-Skelly has also been promoted ahead of him since last season. The situation has forced the Spain international to seek a way out in order to get regular minutes.

Liverpool is reported to have been contacted about Zubimendi's availability. However, the report judges that The Reds are unlikely to act because their previous interest came under a different management. Besides Liverpool, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atlético Madrid are said to be interested, while Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund have also received information about the player's situation.

For Mikel Arteta, this is a complicated decision. On one hand, Zubimendi wants to revive a career that has stalled. On the other, Arsenal needs to weigh the benefit of keeping an experienced midfielder as cover for the rest of the season. Letting him go, especially on loan, could reduce squad depth in a midfield facing a congested schedule.

"Arsenal is aware of Zubimendi's feelings and could consider a loan, with transfer terms that must still align with the club's interests," the report said in essence.

Zubimendi is not the only case weighing on Arteta. Viktor Gyökeres is reportedly open to leaving in January after struggling to secure a first-team place up front, with Atlético Madrid still interested. Meanwhile, captain Martin Odegaard has been linked with Bayern Munich, though Arsenal is said to prefer extending his contract, which runs until 2028. Riccardo Calafiori also drew interest from Real Madrid, but Arsenal made clear he is untouchable.

Zubimendi's departure, if it materializes, would signal that Arsenal is ready to overhaul its midfield to keep the squad balanced. However, the final decision will depend heavily on the offers that come in and how much Arteta needs a figure like Zubimendi in the title race. Will The Gunners be willing to let the expensive midfielder go for the sake of his career, or will they keep him as rotation insurance?