Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi is emerging as a key transfer target for Atletico Madrid in the January window, with recent reports suggesting the Spanish club and the 27-year-old are moving closer to a deal. According to BBC Sport, multiple clubs are reshaping their squads as the winter transfer period approaches, with contract extensions and departures dominating the agenda across Europe's top leagues.
This story was first reported by BBC Sport.
The Spain international has struggled to establish himself at Arsenal since his €70 million arrival from Real Sociedad, with limited opportunities in the Premier League and European competition this season. A report from Football365 published on November 9 indicates that Zubimendi has made his decision to join Atletico Madrid and is close to completing the transfer, citing Spanish broadcaster RNE Deportes as the source.
Arsenal's own transfer activity remains active on the contract front. The Gunners have made substantial headway in securing new deals for Norway midfielder Martin Odegaard, 27, Netherlands defender Jurrien Timber, 25, and England midfielder Declan Rice, 27, with all three agreements expected to be finalised before the January window opens. However, the futures of Sweden striker Viktor Gyokeres and Spain midfielder Mikel Merino at the club could be in jeopardy as Arsenal work to balance their finances.
Which other clubs are making moves?
Leeds United are preparing to accelerate contract negotiations with England striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, 29, with plans to extend his deal until 2030. According to LiveScore, the club is preparing to offer the striker a two-year extension, with his current contract set to expire in June 2028. Leeds plan to use the upcoming international break to push these discussions forward.
Dutch defender Ian Maatsen, 24, is on the verge of signing a contract extension with Aston Villa, while Everton are among several European clubs monitoring Flamengo's 26-year-old Brazil winger Samuel Lino. Manchester United and Liverpool have both expressed interest in signing 26-year-old Italy and Juventus defender Andrea Cambiaso.
What is happening at Bayern Munich and Barcelona?
Barcelona have expressed interest in Bayern Munich defender Jonathan Tah, though the German champions have no intention of allowing the 30-year-old to depart. According to Yardbarker, Barcelona's sporting director Deco is leading the search for an experienced centre-back to partner Pau Cubarsí, and Tah's Bayern contract runs through 2029. The German international has also indicated he is not considering a move away from Bavaria.
At Bayern, goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, 40, could retire at the end of the season. The Bundesliga club are considering moves for Schalke 04's Lorius Karius, 33, and Fulham's Bernd Leno, 34, as potential backup options to fellow German Jonas Urbig, 23.
Napoli are plotting a move for promising 21-year-old Portuguese striker Gustavo Varela, who plays for Monza and has attracted interest from a number of clubs across Europe.
Key Facts
- Martin Zubimendi has reportedly chosen Atletico Madrid and is close to joining the Spanish club in January
- Arsenal are finalising new contracts with Odegaard, Timber and Rice before the transfer window opens
- Leeds United plan to offer Dominic Calvert-Lewin a two-year extension during the upcoming international break
- Barcelona have enquired about Jonathan Tah's availability, but Bayern Munich are unwilling to sell the defender
- Manuel Neuer's potential retirement has prompted Bayern to explore goalkeeping alternatives
