Arsenal is plotting the winter sale of midfielder Martín Zubimendi to fund an 80 million euro move for Atlético de Madrid winger Álex Baena, according to fichajes.net.

The English club aims to strengthen its left flank with the 25-year-old Spanish attacker, though the Madrid-based club opposes an immediate departure, the report stated.

Zubimendi Roster Shift in London

Zubimendi, 27, arrived at Arsenal in July 2025 from Real Sociedad for 60 million pounds, equivalent to 70 million euros. After starting every match of the Premier League campaign in his debut year, his playing time dipped during the 2026-27 season following the arrival of Bruno Guimarães and the emergence of academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Real Madrid has emerged as the primary candidate to sign the Spanish midfielder from the Gunners, according to journalist Ekrem Konur.

Mikel Arteta’s squad currently leads the English top flight with eight victories from nine matches and sits on three wins in the Champions League group stage after defeating Slavia Prague 1-2. Despite this strong collective form, club directors are weighing a transfer for Zubimendi to inject liquidity into their transfer budget.

Atlético De Madrid Refuses to Sell Baena Below 80 Million Euro

Baena joined Atlético de Madrid in July 2025 after providing 14 assists in Spain’s top division for Villarreal. Under manager Diego Pablo Simeone, the winger has contributed five goals and four assists in the current campaign.

Simeone has blocked any potential transfer during the January transfer window. Baena’s contract runs through June 2030, giving the Metropolitano hierarchy control over his valuation.

Atlético will not entertain negotiations below the 80 million euro mark, leaving the London club with no room for a discounted fee. Manchester City and Bayern Munich are also monitoring the Spain international for a potential move ahead of the 2027-28 season.

Upcoming December Decision Point

Arsenal’s next steps will be decided during the first half of December 2026. Club emissaries are expected to evaluate formal bids for Zubimendi from interested European sides to determine whether they can match Atlético’s asking price or if they must delay their pursuit of Baena until July 2027.