Arsenal have no intention of letting Martín Zubimendi or Piero Hincapié leave, despite the duo’s difficult start to the season.
Last summer, both the Spain international and the 24-year-old joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad and Bayer Leverkusen respectively.
The twp were a key part of Mikel Arteta’s squad that won the title and lost the Champions League final to Paris Saint-Germain last season. Their situations at the Emirates have changed this season.
Arteta not counting on Arsenal midfielder
Martín Zubimendi was an integral member of Mikel Arteta’s squad last season. He played 4,299 minutes from 57 matches and featured in every Premier League match.
In the summer, the north London club signed Bruno Guimarães. The 27-year-old faces tough competition from him, Declan Rice, Mikel Merino and Myles Lewis-Skelly. The World Cup winner has lost prominence and is behind these players in the pecking order.
Zubimendi has played 289 minutes after 10 matches, and 99 are from the league. Mundo Deportivo states the feeling is that he has ‘fallen out of favour with Arteta’.
Last month, the former La Real star said his situation isn’t ideal. The restricted role at the club could have a direct impact on his place in the national team and it has led to reports of a loan move in the winter market.
However, Arteta is ‘reluctant’ to let him leave. Despite this, the report states the rumours about a January exit are likely to intensify if Zubimendi’s situation doesn’t improve.
Barcelona contact another Arsenal player
Meanwhile, Piero Hincapié has ended up on Barcelona’s transfer agenda. Their sporting director, Deco, initiated contact to find out his willingness and understand the possibility of a January move.
Actualité Barça reported this, and Tuesday’s edition of Sport, after relaying it, share their take on this case.
The Ecuador international has struggled with fitness issues this season, limiting him to 256 minutes from seven appearances.
His ability to operate both as a centre-back and a left-back appeals to Deco and Hansi Flick.
In the summer, Arsenal made his stay permanent, a year after signing him on loan, and handed him a contract until 2031. Despite Barcelona exploring a deal for the 24-year-old, Mikel Arteta is ‘reluctant’ to let him leave.
The Gunners won the title last season, after finishing second for three years in a row. The manager wants more options as the north London club are competing for the title and the Champions League.
Therefore, Arteta wants to hold on to Hincapié and Martín Zubimendi despite the duo not enjoying regular minutes so far this season.