Atletico Madrid have issued a clear hands-off warning to Arsenal following the Gunners’ interest in Marc Pubill over the summer.

The 23-year-old was linked with a possible move to the Emirates Stadium after an eye-catching 2025-26 campaign under Diego Simeone, and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Mikel Arteta’s side were keen to finalise a deal.

However, a transfer never materialised and Arsenal have now been told that the Spain international isn’t for sale next year.

Speaking to reporters about Pubill’s situation following rumours of a potential exit, Atletico Madrid sporting director Mateu Alemany admitted (via AS): “There are situations that are constantly being considered, depending on performance, etc.

“I'm not going to talk about anyone. Marc has had a spectacular evolution, becoming a world champion. We are very happy with him and hope he will be with us for many years.”

Arteta has prioritised signing defenders capable of playing at centre-back and full-back in recent years, and his interest in Pubill is therefore extremely unsurprising given the Spaniard’s ability to play in multiple defensive positions.

However, a deal has been ruled out and Arsenal will be forced to pursue an alternative target in 2027.

Who will Arsenal sign next year?

While a deal for Pubill is unlikely to be finalised, Arsenal are still expected to add significant reinforcements to Arteta’s squad, with a new left winger set to be their priority target.

Brentford star Kevin Schade and Juventus’ Kenan Yildiz have both been heavily linked with an Emirates Stadium switch in recent weeks, while the Gunners remain interested in Bournemouth attacker Eli Junior Kroupi, who would arrive as a more versatile forward signing.

In addition, they are continuing to scour the market for another new defender despite the recent addition of Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Jarell Quansah still on their radar following a failed approach over the summer.

A new centre forward will also be targeted if Viktor Gyokeres departs amid strong rumours that he is growing frustrated by his lack of game time so far this season.