Atletico pursue Zubimendi as Arsenal consider swap deal

Atletico pursue Zubimendi as Arsenal consider swap deal Atletico Madrid are showing an interest in Martin Zubimendi, with Arsenal potentially interested in a couple of Atletico players in return. Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images Silvia Barba, the director of sport at RNE Deportes , reports for the Spanish outlet that Atletico Madrid are interested in signing Martin Zubimendi in the January transfer window, and she hints that summer Arsenal target Julian Alvarez could still leave. “Zubimendi—a player who could have left for Arsenal back in the summer, with even Real Madrid mentioned as a possibility—is someone to keep an eye on,” Barba told RNE. “He could end up as a reinforcement for Atlético de Madrid during the winter break. “As for the alternative—who was it that Arsenal were interested in? None other than Julián Álvarez, who is still struggling. I think this is quite clear. “You can throw up all the smokescreens you want, but it seems that the relationship between the player and Atlético de Madrid just isn’t working out.” Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images Marcos Duran confirms for Relevo that Atletico have indeed shown an interest in Zubimendi, with the Spanish club of the opinion that they need January reinforcements. Atletico are reportedly universally keen on Zubimendi, and the player’s limited minutes at Arsenal this season could present them with an opportunity. Atletico’s Alex Baena has already expressed his support for such a move, saying on Monday: “I’d love for [Zubimendi] to come. He’s the second-best holding midfielder in the world, because Rodri is the best. I hope he can come. He’d be a great addition to the team and the dressing room.” Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images Ironically, it seems Baena is also on Arsenal’s shortlist of players of interest in the winter window. Miguel Delaney reports for the Independent that if Arsenal do let Zubimendi leave in January, they’d be expected to use the money to sign a wide player, and Baena is one of the players they’d be considering. Zubimendi has made 12 appearances for Arsenal this season, but only for a total of 380 minutes. That’s just 32 minutes per appearance, on average. The Spanish international has only made three starts in all competitions, with two of those coming in the League Cup. It certainly seems like the player might start to feel unsettled, unless things change soon. Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images