Sources inside Atletico Madrid have denied any intention to sign Spain midfielder Zubimendi in January 2027, pushing back against reports that had listed the club among his potential suitors.
Atletico Madrid sources reject transfer links
Sources inside Atletico Madrid have denied any negotiations or intention to sign Zubimendi in January 2027, refuting reports that had placed the Madrid club among the teams interested in him.
Previous reports of interest from major clubs
Journalist Antonio Ruiz revealed on the "El Partidazo" radio programme on the "Cope" network that one of Real Madrid's potential rivals for Zubimendi had backed away from the idea of signing him.
GOAL reported that Britain's "Independent" newspaper was said to have pointed to the interest of Real Madrid, Chelsea and Atletico Madrid in signing Zubimendi, with a possible exit from Arsenal looming thanks to his reduced role under Mikel Arteta.
Chelsea described as leading destination
The "Cope" report was described as claiming Chelsea are the most likely destination for Zubimendi should he leave Arsenal, given the faith manager Xabi Alonso has held in him since their days together at Real Sociedad.
GOAL reported that this puts Chelsea in a strong position in the race to sign Zubimendi.
Arsenal’s midfield options and financial demands
Real Madrid may see a chance to bring Zubimendi back to the Spanish league after he left Real Sociedad in the summer of 2025 to join Arsenal.
GOAL reported that Arsenal will not let Zubimendi go for less than £60 million, the figure they paid Real Sociedad to sign him.
A departure for Zubimendi from Arsenal looks increasingly likely given the options available to Mikel Arteta, especially after the £85 million signing of Brazilian Bruno Guimaraes this summer and Arteta's recent preference for Guimaraes and Declan Rice in midfield.
Mikel Arteta wants a quick winger who can carry the ball forward, and Arsenal may need a major sale to fund that deal.
Money is described as the main obstacle for the clubs interested in signing Zubimendi.
