Arsenal Star Has Already Had Showdown Talks With Arteta As January Exit Is Considered
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Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi has “already spoken directly” with manager Mikel Arteta about his lack of playing time, according to reports.
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The Spanish international has not started the Gunners’ first four matches this season (ahead of the Champions League fixture against Napoli on Wednesday night), and TEAMtalk claims that the player has discussed the situation with Arteta, who has assured him that he will have a prominent role going forward.
However, Zubimendi is said to have put a deadline on his restoration to the starting lineup.
If he is not getting regular game time by the turn of the year, he could well push for a move away from the Emirates during the January transfer window.
Will Zubimendi get his place back?
There is fierce competition for places in the middle of the park. Arteta has picked Myles Lewis-Skelly to start alongside Declan Rice in the first three Premier League games, and the teenager has not let anyone down with his performances.
Summer signing Bruno Guimaraes is also waiting in the wings. The Brazilian has only started the Community Shield so far due to fitness problems, but many believe that Arteta wants to partner him with Rice.
In that context, you can understand why Zubimendi is concerned about where his minutes will come from over the coming weeks and months.
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The Arsenal star has several suitors
Chelsea are looking for a replacement for Enzo Fernandez, having failed to land the signature of Monaco’s Lamine Camara on Deadline Day, and TEAMtalk report the Blues are keeping tabs on Zubimendi. Their manager Xabi Alonso is reportedly a big admirer.
Real Madrid have a historical interest in Zubimendi, having considered signing him before he joined the Gunners last summer, but they are stacked in the midfield department and they would need to sell before making a move.
Clubs in Saudi Arabia are also believed to be circling, although the 28-year-old is thought to have no interest in moving to the Middle East at this stage of his career.