Zubimendi bombshell in January?: 'It's close'

Spanish media reports Atlético could swap Julián Álvarez for Arsenal's Martín Zubimendi in January, with the midfielder struggling for minutes in London.

According to Spanish radio station RNE, Atlético Madrid is exploring a potential swap deal with Arsenal involving midfielder Martín Zubimendi and forward Julián Álvarez.

Zubimendi, who joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad for €70 million, has seen his playing time drastically reduced this season, accumulating just over 100 minutes across seven league appearances and around 200 minutes total in the Premier League and Champions League combined.

The 27-year-old has been a long-standing target for Atlético, with the club previously checking his availability while he was at Real Sociedad.

Álvarez's situation at Atlético has also become complicated. The Argentine forward has managed only two goals this season and remains frustrated after his failed move to Barcelona last summer, creating tension with the club's supporters. Arsenal had already shown interest in signing Álvarez in August as a forward alternative, even advancing discussions on contract terms, but he ultimately stayed in Madrid.

Atlético's valuation for Álvarez remains firm at around €150 million, with a non-negotiable condition that he not be sold to Barcelona.

While Atlético represents one potential destination for Zubimendi, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are also monitoring his situation, though Madrid has stability in midfield with Aurélien Tchouaméni and Bernardo Silva.