Alex Baena has publicly said he would like to see Martin Zubimendi at Atletico. The 25-year-old winger is himself considered an Arsenal transfer target for 2027.
According to FootballTransfers, Arsenal regard Baena as one of their leading candidates for the left side of their attack following Gabriel Martinelli's departure.
However, the Spaniard has made it clear that his focus is on Atletico for now and that he would like to see his international team-mate join him in Madrid.
I would really like Martin Zubimendi to join Atletico.
He is the second-best defensive midfielder in the world.
He would be a great addition to the team and the dressing room.
According to AS, Atletico are indeed monitoring Zubimendi and considering a transfer.
Arsenal could reportedly demand around €70 million — roughly the same amount they paid for the midfielder last summer.
A winter deal looks difficult for now, however.
Although Zubimendi is behind Declan Rice, Bruno Guimaraes and Myles Lewis-Skelly in the pecking order, he remains an important rotation player.
With Arsenal competing for several trophies, the club are unlikely to want to let him leave mid-season unless the player himself wants to go.
The situation could change in the summer, particularly if Zubimendi continues to receive limited playing time.
As well as Atletico, Chelsea and Real Madrid have also been linked with an interest in him.
Against that backdrop, Baena's comments are particularly interesting: a player Arsenal want to sign has publicly invited one of their midfielders to join his current club.
