According to a report by Metro on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, Chelsea have been identified as the best-placed club to sign Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi in the January transfer window if the Spanish international decides to leave the Emirates Stadium.

The 27-year-old joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad in a £60 million deal last year and played an important role during his first season under Mikel Arteta, helping the Gunners win the Premier League title and reach the Champions League final.

However, Zubimendi has experienced a difficult campaign in terms of regular playing time, having failed to start any of Arsenal’s opening 10 Premier League matches this season.

The arrival of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United during the summer has increased competition in Arsenal’s midfield, leaving Zubimendi with a reduced role compared to last season.

His situation has attracted interest from several clubs, with Chelsea and Atletico Madrid both previously linked with a possible January move.

Atletico Madrid appeared to be serious contenders for his signature, particularly after Spain teammate Alex Baena described the Arsenal midfielder as a great potential addition to the Spanish club.

However, Spanish journalist Antonio Ruiz has now revealed that Atletico have ruled themselves out of the race for Zubimendi ahead of the winter transfer window.

Speaking on El Partidazo de COPE on Tuesday night, Ruiz explained that reliable sources within Atletico had denied any negotiations or intention to sign the midfielder in January.

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.”

The journalist further explained that Atletico had previously considered the possibility of involving Julian Alvarez in a potential swap deal, but the Spanish club insisted that such an arrangement had not been seriously considered.

More importantly, Ruiz revealed that he had also contacted someone close to Zubimendi to understand the midfielder’s situation at Arsenal.

According to the journalist, Chelsea would be the most suitable destination if the 27-year-old eventually decides to leave the Emirates Stadium.

He specifically suggested that the possibility of working under Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso makes Stamford Bridge an attractive option for the Spanish international.

Meanwhile, Zubimendi recently addressed speculation surrounding his reduced playing time during an interview with Marca.

The midfielder explained that Arteta had already warned him before the start of the season that competition for places would increase following the arrival of new players.

He insisted that he remained calm and understood the situation, adding that he was prepared to fight for his position.

Zubimendi also acknowledged that his circumstances could change quickly, pointing out that he enjoyed significantly more playing time during his first season at Arsenal.

Although Chelsea have emerged as the best-placed destination according to Ruiz, Zubimendi has not expressed an intention to leave Arsenal in January.

His comments suggest that he remains happy at the club, meaning Chelsea may have to wait for a change in circumstances before making a serious move.