Mikel Arteta 'reluctant' – Blocking 2 Arsenal exits in January despite everything

Arteta is blocking potential January exits for Zubimendi and Hincapié despite both struggling for minutes this season.

Arsenal have no intention of allowing Martín Zubimendi or Piero Hincapié to leave in January, despite both players having difficult starts to the season.

Zubimendi, signed from Real Sociedad last summer, has fallen out of favour following Arsenal's summer acquisition of Bruno Guimarães. The Spain international has managed only 289 minutes across 10 matches this season, with just 99 in the Premier League, and faces competition from Guimarães, Declan Rice, Mikel Merino and Myles Lewis-Skelly. Reports of a potential loan move have emerged, but Arteta is reluctant to let him leave.

Hincapié, who joined from Bayer Leverkusen, has been hampered by fitness issues, limiting him to 256 minutes from seven appearances. Barcelona have made contact regarding a January move, with sporting director Deco interested in the Ecuador international's versatility as both centre-back and left-back. However, Arteta remains unwilling to allow his departure. The manager wants to retain both players as Arsenal compete for the Premier League title and Champions League.