According to a report by Metro on Wednesday November 11, 2026, Chelsea have moved into pole position to sign Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi ahead of the January transfer window, with Atletico Madrid no longer considered serious contenders for his signature.

The Spain international joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad in a £60 million deal last year and enjoyed an impressive first season under Mikel Arteta.

Zubimendi played an important role as Arsenal won the Premier League title and reached the Champions League final during the 2025/26 campaign.

However, his situation at the Emirates Stadium has changed this season following increased competition for places in the Gunners' midfield.

The arrival of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United has added further quality to Arteta's options, making it more difficult for Zubimendi to secure regular playing time.

The midfielder is yet to start in 10 Premier League matches this season, raising questions about his long-term role in the team.

According to Spanish journalist Antonio Ruiz, Chelsea are currently the best-placed club to sign Zubimendi if he decides to leave Arsenal in January.

Atletico Madrid had also been linked with the 27-year-old, with suggestions that the Spanish club could explore a possible deal involving Julian Alvarez.

However, Ruiz revealed that Atletico have denied having any intention of signing the Arsenal midfielder during the winter transfer window.

Speaking on El Partidazo de COPE, the journalist explained that reliable sources at Atletico had dismissed the possibility of a January move.

He said: "Reliable sources of Atletico Madrid have denied it and negotiations have been ruled out, nor is there any intention of signing Zubimendi in January.

"Neither a negotiation or an intention, that was literally the answer from the club."

Ruiz also revealed that he had contacted someone close to Zubimendi to establish his situation at Arsenal and the possibility of a departure.

He added that Chelsea would be the most suitable destination if the midfielder eventually decides to seek a new challenge.

"In the event that he does decide to leave, the best-placed team would be Chelsea with Xabi Alonso, not Atletico Madrid.

"In the event that he does decide to leave, the option that fits most is Chelsea."

Meanwhile, Zubimendi has played down concerns about his reduced involvement at Arsenal, insisting that he remains calm about the competition for places.

Speaking to Marca, the midfielder revealed that Arteta had discussed the situation with him before the beginning of the season and warned him that new arrivals would affect playing time.

"I spoke with Mikel at the beginning of the season. As he does with all the players, he explained the plan to me.

"He warned me that there were new signings and that there would be playing time for everyone. And here we are, fighting for it," Zubimendi said.