Zubimendi pushed to the background

Zubimendi has fallen out of favour at Arsenal, playing just 10 minutes in the last four Premier League games as Arteta prefers Rice, Guimarães and Ødegaard in midfield.

Martín Zubimendi's second season at Arsenal has taken a dramatic turn. Once a regular starter under Mikel Arteta, the Spanish midfielder has become a peripheral figure, featuring for only 10 minutes across the last four Premier League matches. He has not started a single league game this season and managed just eight minutes in the Champions League.

The arrival of Bruno Guimarães, the recovery of Mikel Merino from injury, and Arteta's decision to deploy Myles Lewis-Skelly in midfield have all contributed to Zubimendi's reduced playing time. Arteta's preferred midfield trio now consists of Declan Rice, Guimarães and Martin Ødegaard, with Merino and Lewis-Skelly as the primary alternatives. Zubimendi's only two starts have come in the Carabao Cup, a competition Arsenal have already exited.

Zubimendi, signed from Real Sociedad for €70 million in summer 2025 on a contract until 2030, faces an uncertain future. While Arteta has resisted selling him, citing the need for squad depth to protect against injuries, the midfielder's desire to maintain competitive rhythm and his place in the Spain national team could force a move. A loan departure has been rumoured and is likely to resurface when the January transfer window opens. Wednesday's Europa League match against Slavia Prague may offer Zubimendi a chance to stake his claim with a first European start.