Arsenal are reportedly reluctant to let Martin Zubimendi or Piero Hincapie leave for Barcelona in the January transfer window. The reports link the situation to Arsenal's squad options for the run-in and for competing in several competitions.
Barcelona links to both players
Barcelona have been linked with moves for Zubimendi and Hincapie. Mundo Deportivo claims Mikel Arteta is 'reluctant' to let Zubimendi leave in January because he is wary that injuries could leave him short in midfield during the run-in.
Hincapie's position
ActualiteBarça, via Sport, says Arteta has reached a similar verdict on letting Hincapie leave after Barcelona 'made contact' because he 'does not want to reduce the options in a squad that must compete in several competitions.'
TEAMtalk says Hincapie made his move to Arsenal from Bayer Leverkusen permanent in the summer. TEAMtalk says Hincapie has struggled to dislodge Riccardo Calafiori from Arsenal's first XI lately.
Zubimendi's game time
TEAMtalk says Zubimendi joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad for £60m in 2025. TEAMtalk reported that Zubimendi is ready to leave Arsenal after slipping behind Declan Rice, Bruno Guimaraes and Myles Lewis-Skelly in the pecking order.
The report says Zubimendi is yet to start a single game in the Premier League this season and has played 100 minutes across six substitute appearances.
Another Arsenal link
TEAMtalk reported on Tuesday that Arsenal are among clubs interested in signing an Atletico Madrid standout.
