Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Sports journalist with experience at Football League World and Burton Albion FC; Derby University graduate. FOCUS Transfer coverage and behind-the-scenes insight across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Evan utilises a network of club and industry contacts to deliver verified, high-speed transfer reporting. He provides the depth behind the deals to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.
The 27-year-old was one of Mikel Arteta's most trusted men in 2025-26, as he featured in every single Premier League game with 57 appearances in all competitions.
He is yet to start a single game in the Premier League, and has played just 99 minutes of league football so far this season.
The reason behind Arteta's lack of faith in him is not quite clear at the moment, but it is surely putting the writing on the wall for his long-term future.
Martin Zubimendi growing frustrated at Arsenal
Football Insider revealed back in September that Zubimendi was growing "unhappy" with his lack of game time at Arsenal, and that feeling is sure to have worsened since then.
He arrived at the Emirates back in 2025 as a £60million signing, and yet one year down the line, he is being treated as anything but that.
His only two starts this season have come in the Carabao Cup, and there has been little sign of Arteta softening his stance towards him at all.
Zubimendi is at the stage of his career where he needs to be playing regular football, and that simply isn't happening for him with the Gunners.
His exit feels inevitable as a result, and if that scenario comes to fruition, then Arteta will only have himself to blame.
Arsenal are blessed with exceptional midfield depth, but even so, Zubimendi is far too good to be rotting on the bench like this.
[Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi applauds, while manager Mikel Arteta looks stern in a circular inset.
Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi applauds, while manager Mikel Arteta looks stern in a circular inset.](https://www.footballinsider247.com/arsenal/transfers/mikel-artetas-response-to-martin-zubimendi-being-unhappy-at-arsenal)
Zubimendi faces battle with Mikel Arteta
Football Insider previously revealed that Arteta has no desire to lose Zubimendi in January, and that could create an issue for the former Real Sociedad man.
The boss is understandably not keen on the idea of weakening his group while they try to defend their title, but something ultimately may have to give.
However, the boss surely has to see sense and try and secure some value from Zubimendi while he can, because his market value is only going to dip as he grows older.