Arsenal plot double January swoop as £60m Zubimendi pushes for exit

Arsenal are preparing a double move in the January transfer window while facing the prospect of losing £60m midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who is said to be pushing for a departure after a sharp drop in playing time.

Double January swoop in the works

Mikel Arteta is targeting reinforcements in attack when the market reopens, with Arsenal’s forward line identified as the squad’s primary weakness despite a strong start to the Premier League season — the Gunners currently sit three points clear at the summit.

The club are keen to revisit their interest in Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi, though the Cherries are reluctant to sanction a sale in January. Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz is also on Arsenal’s shortlist as they look to add quality on the left flank. The priority, however, is a versatile forward capable of operating across multiple positions.

Arsenal’s defensive solidity has not been a concern. Summer signing Ezri Konsa deputised effectively for William Saliba during the centre-back’s injury absence, with Saliba now back in training.

Zubimendi ready to leave

Martin Zubimendi’s situation has deteriorated significantly since he returned from Spain’s World Cup triumph. The midfielder, who joined Arsenal for £60m, has seen his minutes sharply reduced and now finds himself behind Bruno Guimarães in the midfield hierarchy, with Myles Lewis-Skelly and Mikel Merino preferred as rotation options.

According to TEAMtalk, Zubimendi has made up his mind and is ready to leave in January to revive his career. Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atlético Madrid are all credited with an interest in bringing him back to Spain.

With Zubimendi contracted until 2030, Arsenal will be looking to recoup at least the £60m they invested in signing him. Whether a January deal can be structured to meet that valuation remains to be seen, but the club’s willingness to sell — and the level of Spanish interest — could make a winter exit a realistic outcome.