Zubimendi reportedly open to January exit from Arsenal

Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi is reportedly prepared to consider leaving the club in the January transfer window, with seven European teams said to have been alerted to his possible availability. No formal offer or transfer agreement has been reported, and accounts differ over whether Arsenal would permit a midseason departure. The clubs named are Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea and Liverpool. The reports trace the claims about Zubimendi’s intentions and the clubs’ awareness to the same underlying report, rather than independent confirmation from those teams. None has been reported to have made a formal approach. Zubimendi has not started an Arsenal Premier League match this season, according to the reporting. One account says he has made 10 appearances in all competitions, with two starts, both in the EFL Cup. His reduced role has prompted speculation that he could seek more regular playing time elsewhere. Arsenal’s position remains disputed. One account, citing unnamed sources, says the club still regards the 27-year-old as important to its plans this season and does not want to let him go midseason. Other reports say...