Arsenal are not actively looking to sell midfielder Martin Zubimendi despite reported interest from Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, with the Spain international yet to start a Premier League match this season.
Zubimendi has had a frustrating campaign so far, having been an ever-present in midfield alongside Declan Rice a year ago before dropping out of the side as he tired towards the end of the season. Speculation has linked the World Cup winner with a possible exit, potentially in January, but the club are not believed to be pushing for a sale.
Squad depth priority for Arteta
Mikel Arteta wants as deep a squad as possible, particularly in midfield, to avoid options becoming stretched later in the season. However, Arsenal's stance could be tested if a significant offer arrives, with Atletico among the clubs monitoring Zubimendi's situation.
The 27-year-old is currently on international duty with Spain, where he has joined up with four Atletico players. One of them, Alex Baena, has urged Atletico to sign Zubimendi to play under Diego Simeone.
Baena's praise for Zubimendi
"I'd love for Zubimendi to come," Baena told Cadena SER. "He's the second-best defensive midfielder in the world. He'd be a great addition to the team and the dressing room."
Baena also discussed the Atletico squad's reaction to the saga over Julian Alvarez's future in the summer. Alvarez publicly declared he wanted to leave as he pushed to join Barcelona, a move that was blocked by Atletico. Arsenal were extremely keen on signing Alvarez and were prepared to make a huge offer if they received encouragement from the player and his representatives.
Alvarez saga fallout
Alvarez ultimately stayed at Atletico and has been booed by the club's fans this season in response to his attempts to force a transfer. "It feels a bit strange when a team-mate publicly says he wants to leave," Baena admitted. "We didn't take it very well. I understand that a player might have doubts if Barca or Real Madrid are coming for him, but I think the way he did it is what bothered us most."
"We would have supported him in whatever he did. Personally, I didn't say anything to him. He's a very intelligent guy and he knew what he did and how it might have affected us. He apologised to all of us and that makes him incredibly kind."
