Arsenal’s stance on January deal for ‘second best midfielder’ as failed Julian Alvarez transfer is addressed

Arsenal are not actively looking to sell midfielder Martin Zubimendi in January, despite interest from Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid. Spain winger Alex Baena has urged Atletico Madrid to sign the 27-year-old, calling him the second-best defensive midfielder in the world. Zubimendi has struggled for playing time at Arsenal this season and is yet to start a Premier League match under manager Mikel Arteta.

Arteta reportedly wants to retain a deep midfield squad to prevent options from wearing thin later in the campaign, though a significant permanent transfer bid could test Arsenal's resolve. Meanwhile, Baena also addressed the failed summer transfer saga involving teammate Julian Alvarez, confirming that Alvarez apologized to the Atletico Madrid dressing room after his blocked move to Barcelona.