Fabrizio Romano has played down reports linking Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi with a January move to Atletico Madrid, saying there are no active negotiations between the clubs and no swap deal involving striker Julian Alvarez is being discussed.
Rumours had suggested Arsenal could revive their interest in Alvarez by sending Zubimendi to Madrid. Romano said that was not happening at present, adding that Atletico would not pay the €65million to €80million Arsenal might demand for the midfielder in January.
“There are no negotiations ongoing between Atletico Madrid and Arsenal,” Romano said on his YouTube channel. “They are not working on a swap deal with Alvarez and Zubimendi.”
Zubimendi wants more minutes but is not pushing to leave
Zubimendi has struggled to secure regular playing time at Arsenal, prompting reports that he could seek a move. Romano said the Spain international wants to play more but is not desperate to leave the Emirates.
“He’s a player they like for sure,” Romano said of Atletico’s interest. “But that’s it. There is no active negotiation ongoing.”
That update differs from earlier reports that suggested Zubimendi was ready to consider an Arsenal exit in January. For now, Romano’s account is that the player is open to more game time, but no transfer talks are under way.
Arsenal’s reported summer pursuit of Alvarez also failed to produce a move. The Argentina international was said to favour Barcelona, while Atletico were unwilling to sell him to a domestic rival. No agreement with Arsenal followed.
Chelsea admire Zubimendi, but Alex Scott is another name to watch
Romano said Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is an admirer of Zubimendi. However, he believes Arsenal would be reluctant to sell the midfielder to a direct Premier League rival.
The transfer journalist also pointed to Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott as a player to watch in Chelsea’s search for midfield reinforcements.
For now, the three strands of the update are clear: there are no Arsenal-Atletico negotiations, no Alvarez-Zubimendi swap being planned, and Atletico are not preparing to meet Arsenal’s anticipated asking price. Zubimendi’s immediate future remains at the Emirates unless the situation changes.
