Arsenal target Alex Baena has admitted that he wants Atletico Madrid to sign Gunners midfielder Martin Zubimendi next year amid substantial speculation that a move could be on the cards.

Baena, 25, has been earmarked as one of Arsenal’s top left winger targets for 2027, as exclusively reported by FootballTransfers, although the Spain international has now hinted that he will favour an extended stay at the Metropolitano.

Sources have informed us that Mikel Arteta’s side want to sign the ex-Villarreal star as a replacement for the departed Gabriel Martinelli, but Baena has admitted that he is eager for Zubimendi to join him at Atletico Madrid, rather than reunite with his compatriot at the Emirates Stadium.

“I’d love for Martin Zubimendi to come to Atletico Madrid,” Baena told reporters (via Atleti Universe) while on Spain duty ahead of their Nations League clash against Czechia on Thursday.

“He’s the second-best defensive midfielder in the world. He would be a fantastic addition to the team and the dressing room.”

Spanish news outlet AS have confirmed that Zubimendi is on Atleti’s transfer radar ahead of the upcoming January window, with Arsenal reportedly open to a potential sale following the summer arrival of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United.

It’s claimed that Atletico Madrid would be required to match the €70 million price that Arsenal paid to sign Zubimendi last summer, which would make him their fourth-most expensive signing in history, behind Joao Felix, Julian Alvarez and Thomas Lemar, and they are expected to ramp up internal discussions over a possible deal in the coming weeks.

Will Martin Zubimendi leave Arsenal?

Despite Baena’s desire for Zubimendi to join Atletico Madrid next year, a deal remains unlikely unless he directly requests a transfer.

While the Spain star is now firmly behind Declan Rice, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Guimaraes in the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium, he is still a key squad member for the Gunners and given their bid to win multiple trophies this season, a January deal may be blocked.

However, their stance could be eased next summer, especially if Zubimendi continues to struggle for regular game time, and Atletico will likely be strong contenders for his signature, alongside fellow suitors Chelsea and Real Madrid, who have both been heavily linked with a move in recent weeks.