Arsenal’s impressive season has hit a bump behind the scenes, with midfielder Martin Zubimendi reportedly on the verge of a January departure following a breakdown in his relationship with manager Mikel Arteta.
Martin Zubimendi close to January exit after friction with Mikel Arteta
Martin Zubimendi Edges Closer to January Arsenal Exit After Mikel Arteta Rift
The Gunners sit five points clear at the top of the Premier League, remain unbeaten in the Champions League, and have lost just twice in all competitions.
Summer signings Bruno Guimaraes, Ezri Konsa, and Christos Tzolis have added quality and depth to a title-winning side.
However, not everyone is content at the Emirates, and Zubimendi now looks set to seek regular game time elsewhere.
Spanish outlet Relevo reports that Zubimendi’s relationship with Arteta has turned “cold” after “friction towards the end of last season.”
RNE Deportes initially broke the news of a potential departure, with further updates relayed by Sport Witness.
AS adds that Arsenal need to sell and hope to recoup the £50 million they spent on the Basque midfielder.
Zubimendi joined Arsenal in 2025 and quickly became a key figure alongside Declan Rice, helping the club win the title.
But as the run-in approached, he lost his place to Myles Lewis-Skelly and did not start the Champions League final.
The summer arrival of Guimaraes has pushed him further down the pecking order he has not started a single league game in midfield this term and now sits fourth in the depth chart.
Atletico Madrid are poised to offer him a route out. FourFourTwo understands Arsenal would prefer to keep the World Cup winner until the summer, but with the player unsettled and Atletico circling, a January exit is growing increasingly likely.
Arsenal travel to Newcastle United after the international break, and Zubimendi’s future may be resolved before then.
