Martin Zubimendi’s Arsenal future surely in doubt after latest development
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Credit: Imago Sun 31 May 2026 19:00, UK Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi must be thinking about his future at the club after not starting the Champions League final.Zubimendi has only started one of Arsenal’s final six matches of the season, and that was a dead rubber against Crystal Palace on the final day of the Premier League season.Mikel Arteta once again preferred Myles Lewis-Skelly in midfield, putting trust in the teenager over Zubimendi against PSG.Lewis-Skelly has flourished in the role alongside Declan Rice, meaning Zubimendi will have to work hard to force his way back into Arteta’s starting line-up next season.Arsenal may have to sell a star player this summer, and it would be no surprise if Zubimendi now wants to make a quick exit from the Emirates. 🔄 Arsenal Transfer Update 🔄 Breaking news on deals in progress, signings, departures, and contract news from the Emirates boardroom. VISIT THE ARSENAL TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Martin Zubimendi could be axed from Mikel Arteta’s plansCaptain Martin Odegaard and winger Gabriel Martinelli are stars who could leave the club this summer, but Zubimendi could now be added to the list of players who could depart.The 27-year-old was only signed last summer from Spanish side Real Sociedad, in a deal which cost the Gunners £60million, and he does have a contract which runs until 2030.Games Started34Goals5Successful Passes87.3%Chances Created19Duels Won59.8%Martin Zubimendi’s 2025-26 Premier League stats for Arsenal.The Spaniard has played a huge part in Arsenal’s success this season, but Arteta only brought Zubimendi on in the Champions League final when the game went to extra time.Zubimendi didn’t win any of his two duels during his time on the pitch, as Arsenal again relied on the excellent Declan Rice in midfield.Rice could benefit from more help in midfield next season, and Arteta does not want to be restricting the 27-year-old to defensive duties when he has plenty to offer going forward.Which midfielder could Arsenal sign this summer?Arsenal are one of a number of clubs that have Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali on their radar this summer.A box-to-box midfielder, Tonali is used to dictating the play from deep and has a strong work ethic like Rice.Sources have told Football Insider that Arsenal would have to pay £80m to sign Tonali from Newcastle this summer, and it is likely that the 26-year-old will be departing Tyneside.The Gunners’ Premier League title triumph means they have Champions League football, and strong finances, to convince Tonali to join the club. 💰 ARSENAL INSIDER UPDATE 💰 Inside the transfer budget, player wages, new kits, off-pitch deals and boardroom developments at Emirates Stadium.
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