Atletico eyeing Zubimendi as Gyokeres and Merino face uncertain futures at Arsenal

Atletico eyeing Zubimendi as Gyokeres and Merino face uncertain futures at Arsenal Atletico Madrid are interested in signing Arsenal ace Martin Zubimendi, and the Gunners are prepared to let the midfielder go as they look to balance their books. According to AS , the Spanish international could leave the Emirates Stadium in the January or summer transfer window, and Atletico are leading contenders to sign him. The Gunners reportedly need funds to finance several important contract renewals, meaning players outside Mikel Arteta’s core group could be sacrificed. Gabriel Martinelli joined Al-Hilal in a deal worth almost €70 million. Leandro Trossard also left, and Zubimendi could be next. The 27-year-old joined from Real Sociedad for around €60m and enjoyed an encouraging start to life in north London. His form dipped in the second half of last season, and he hasn’t exactly bounced back. This summer, Arsenal then added Bruno Guimaraes , who has quickly established himself in the first team. Zubimendi has managed just 380 minutes across 12 appearances this term, completing only one full match, against Slavia Prague in the Champions League. He might be open to a move away, with Atletico keen to offer him a more prominent role. Diego Simeone’s side previously explored a move for the midfielder when he was still at Real Sociedad, but Arsenal ultimately won the race for his signature. The relationship between the two clubs could help facilitate negotiations. Chelsea might enter the race, as rumours suggested they showed interest in his services in the final days of the summer transfer window. He is a Basque player whom Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso will likely know well, and the Blues could use him in central midfield. Interestingly, Zubimendi is not the only Arsenal player with an uncertain future. Striker Viktor Gyokeres and midfielder Mikel Merino could be on the market. Gyokeres has failed to dislodge Kai Havertz up top and looks subpar when he gets minutes. He might want another stomping ground. Merino is a weapon off the bench but cannot get a look-in behind the established midfield trio. He could leave to find more playing time.