Arsenal Could Ship Zubimendi to Madrid in January
Real Madrid have reportedly been alerted that Martin Zubimendi may be available this winter, with Endrick a possible return in a swap.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Soccer
Arsenal may allow Martin Zubimendi to join Real Madrid in January, according to reports, as the midfielder has fallen behind Myles Lewis-Skelly in Mikel Arteta's lineup. The move could also see Arsenal land Endrick on loan with an option to buy.
Why it matters
Zubimendi was signed from Real Sociedad in July 2025 for £60 million, so a winter exit would be a significant early reshuffle for the club's midfield. Endrick, who is considering a January move for his development, could offer Arsenal a new forward option.
Zubimendi scored six goals in 57 appearances last season, while Endrick has one goal in seven matches this season. Madrid paid an initial €60 million for Endrick, with a potential rise to €70 million through bonuses, though no deal has been confirmed.
The players
Martin Zubimendi
The Spanish midfielder joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad in July 2025 and has been a key figure in the club's midfield since his arrival.
Endrick
The Brazilian forward joined Real Madrid as a teenager and has since been loaned out, including a spell at Lyon last season.
Mikel Arteta
The Spanish coach has managed Arsenal since 2019 and led the club to its first Premier League title in 22 years last season.
The details
Reports suggest Madrid could accept a compromise in which Endrick arrives on loan with a purchase option if Arsenal complete a deal for Zubimendi. Endrick, who was on loan at Lyon last season, reportedly knows he cannot keep warming the bench if he is to establish himself as a top-class player.
Timeline
July 2025: Arsenal signed Zubimendi from Real Sociedad for £60 million.
Last season: Arsenal won the Premier League for the first time in 22 years and lost the Champions League final to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties.
This winter: Zubimendi is expected to become available for transfer, according to reports.
January: A possible Zubimendi move to Madrid and Endrick move to Arsenal could take place.
Season Trajectory
Arsenal's Premier League title win and Champions League final appearance last season set a high bar for the squad. A January move for Zubimendi would test whether the club can maintain that level while managing its midfield depth.
If Zubimendi moves, Arsenal's midfield rotation and Madrid's squad depth would both change, affecting who starts in key matches. Fantasy managers tracking Endrick's minutes should watch whether a loan materializes in January.
The takeaway
Transfer windows can reshape a squad quickly, and a player who falls out of the starting lineup may find a new club sooner than expected. Watch for confirmed deals as January approaches.
Further reading
For more on the club-level moves shaping the transfer window, explore Soccer coverage.
