The issue is not a lack of midfield options. The report says Mikel Arteta selected Declan Rice, Mikel Merino and Martin Ødegaard in Napoli, then introduced Bruno Guimarães as his first midfield substitute.
That selection offers several alternatives:
With Myles Lewis-Skelly, Eberechi Eze and Kai Havertz also capable of operating in deeper areas, Zubimendi’s route back into the XI is becoming narrower.
The contrast with last season is stark. The report says Zubimendi played in every Premier League match, starting 34 times, and made 13 Champions League appearances. He had also begun his Arsenal career strongly after arriving from Real Sociedad, including a two-goal display against Nottingham Forest.
That history should protect him from being judged on a short run of limited minutes. However, midfield selection is often dictated by balance rather than reputation. If Arteta’s current combinations continue producing control and intensity, Zubimendi may need to win his place through substitute appearances first.
Chelsea and Real Madrid have previously been linked with the 27-year-old, although any January move remains speculative. The more immediate question is whether Arsenal can restore a meaningful role for him before the transfer window opens.
The next run of league and European fixtures will be decisive. Regular starts would quiet the transfer talk; continued bench time could turn Zubimendi’s situation into one of Arsenal’s defining winter storylines.