Arsenal's stance on January deal for 'second best midfielder' as failed Julian Alvarez transfer is addressed

It has been a frustrating start to the season for Zubimendi, who is yet to start a match in the Premier League.There has been speculation that the lack of game time could lead the World Cup winner to consider an exit, potentially even in January.Interest in Zubimendi is strong, including from Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, but Arsenal are not believed to be actively pushing to sell the midfielder.Mikel Arteta wants to have as deep a squad as possible, particularly in midfield to avoid his options becoming stretched later in the season.Martin Zubimendi is yet to start a Premier League game for Arsenal this seasonGettyHowever, Arsenal’s stance could be tested if a significant offer comes in and Atletico are one of the clubs monitoring Zubimendi’s situation.The 27-year-old is currently on international duty with Spain, where has has joined up with four Atletico players.One of those is Baena and the winger is keen to see Atletico sign Zubimendi to play under Diego Simeone.“I’d love for Zubimendi to come,” Baena told Cadena SER.“He’s the second-best defensive midfielder in the world. He’d be a great addition to the team and the dressing room.”He’s the second-best defensive midfielder in the worldAlex BaenaBaena also discussed the Atletico squad’s reaction to the saga over Julian Alvarez’s future in the summer.Alvarez publicly declared he wanted to leave the club as he pushed to join Barcelona, a move that was blocked by Atletico.Read More“It feels a bit strange when a team-mate publicly says he wants to leave,” Baena admitted. “We didn’t take it very well. I understand that a player might have doubts if Barca or Real Madrid are coming for him, but I think the way he did it is what bothered us most.“We would have supported him in whatever he did. Personally, I didn’t say anything to him.“He’s a very intelligent guy and he knew what he did and how it might have affected us. He apologised to all of us and that makes him incredibly kind.”