# Atletico Madrid Plotting Bold Swap Move for Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi

*Sports · Transfer Desk · Published 2026-11-09T21:20:56Z*

Canonical: https://amk.news/article/atletico-madrid-plotting-bold-swap-move-for-arsenal-s-martin-zubimendi

> Atletico Madrid have emerged as a primary contender to sign Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi. The deal could potentially involve a direct swap with striker Julian Alvarez.

## Key points

- Atletico Madrid are actively pursuing a potential transfer deal to sign Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
- Atletico Madrid are exploring the possibility of including striker Julian Alvarez in a blockbuster swap deal for Martin Zubimendi.
- Martin Zubimendi has reportedly ruled out potential future moves to Chelsea or Real Madrid during the transfer discussions.

## Atletico Madrid Eyeing Zubimendi Move

As the January transfer window approaches, the future of Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi has become a focal point of European transfer discussions. According to reports from *TNT Sports* and *now.arsenal*, Atletico Madrid are actively pursuing a deal to bring the Spanish international back to La Liga. The interest from the Madrid-based side is reportedly significant, with the club exploring the possibility of a blockbuster swap deal involving striker Julian Alvarez.

> Atletico Madrid are open to a huge Arsenal swap deal ahead of January, with Martin Zubimendi firmly targeted for a move back to Spain.
The 27-year-old defensive midfielder currently remains under contract at the Emirates Stadium, though widespread reports from outlets including *Goal.com* and *Tribuna.com* suggest he is on the verge of an exit. While his tenure in North London has been the subject of much scrutiny, Zubimendi appears to have narrowed his future path, with *Football365* noting that he has ruled out potential moves to Chelsea or Real Madrid, leaving the door open for Atletico's ambitious proposal.

## Analyzing the Potential Swap

The potential for a direct swap involving Julian Alvarez adds a layer of intrigue to these negotiations. As it stands, there is no official confirmation of a transfer fee for the midfielder, making the rumored exchange the most viable path for both clubs to balance their squads. Zubimendi, whose tactical discipline and defensive coverage have been hallmarks of his career, represents a high-profile target for an Atletico side looking to bolster their central engine room.

From a valuation perspective, assessing the deal is complex. As a prime-age international, Zubimendi commands significant market respect, and any deal that sees him depart for a swap involving a high-value forward like Alvarez would likely be viewed as a high-stakes transaction. Should the clubs agree to terms, the move would mark a definitive shift in strategy for Arsenal, who would be trading a foundational midfielder for much-needed firepower up front.

While *Dailysports* reports that a return to La Liga is gathering momentum, fans should wait for official confirmation before expecting a completed transfer. With multiple paths reportedly activated for the midfielder, the situation remains fluid. As of November 9, 2026, the movement behind the scenes suggests that while a move is being actively targeted, the mechanics of a swap deal with Alvarez remain the primary hurdle to overcome before any agreement can be finalized.

**Reliability check: 4/5.** This report is backed by consistent coverage from *TNT Sports*, *BBC Sport*, and *now.arsenal*, indicating that while negotiations are in the development stage, the interest from Atletico Madrid is considered credible and firm.

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