Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi is reportedly eager to secure more playing time, but Mikel Arteta and the club’s hierarchy are not considering allowing him to leave during the January transfer window.

According to a post by The Athletic FC on November 12, 2026, Arsenal remain determined to preserve the strength and depth of their squad as they pursue success across multiple competitions. Although Zubimendi is understood to want a more prominent role, his desire for additional minutes has not altered the club’s position.

The Spanish midfielder has faced increased competition for places at the Emirates Stadium, making regular appearances more difficult to secure. His reported wish for greater involvement reflects the importance players place on consistent opportunities, particularly during the campaign. However, Arsenal are not prepared to respond to his situation by weakening their available options midway through the season.

Squad depth remains a central part of the club’s strategy. Arteta knows that challenging for major honours requires more than a dependable starting eleven. A long campaign brings a demanding schedule, and injuries, suspensions and fixture congestion can place pressure on teams. Having quality alternatives allows a manager to rotate players, manage workloads and maintain competitive standards when regular starters are unavailable.

That is why Arsenal continue to regard Zubimendi as an important member of the squad. His technical ability and experience provide Arteta with another dependable midfield option, while retaining him would help protect the team against unexpected setbacks in the coming months. The club’s position suggests that its broader sporting objectives currently carry greater weight than the midfielder’s individual concerns about playing time.

Despite the uncertainty over his role, Zubimendi’s conduct has reportedly remained exemplary. He is said to have maintained a professional attitude while dealing with the physical and mental demands of his first season at the club. His response to the situation has therefore not created additional concerns for Arsenal, as he seeks more involvement.

The circumstances leave both the player and the club facing a delicate balance. Zubimendi naturally wants to play as often as possible, but Arsenal must consider the needs of the entire squad and the challenges ahead. Arteta’s responsibility is to manage his midfield resources in a way that keeps the team competitive all season, rather than making decisions based solely on one player’s preferred role.

The January window could nevertheless become an important point in the midfielder’s season. If his opportunities remain restricted, questions about his role may continue, even though Arsenal have no reported intention of selling him. The club appears more interested in keeping its options intact than entertaining a departure that could reduce its depth.

For now, Zubimendi is expected to remain at the Emirates and continue working to earn a larger role under Arteta. Arsenal, meanwhile, are maintaining their stance that he remains part of their plans. The coming months will show whether the midfielder can turn his professionalism and determination into more regular appearances while the club continues its pursuit of success across competitions for the club.