By OkayGoal
Why Zubimendi Appeals to Hansi Flick
The 27-year-old, who joined from Real Sociedad for around €70 million in July 2025, is calm on the ball under pressure and adept at dictating tempo. Those traits would suit Flick’s possession-based approach, while his Spanish football background would ease any return.
Limited Minutes at the Emirates
Zubimendi has played just 89 minutes in Arsenal’s opening six Premier League games, with Bruno Guimaraes’ arrival pushing him down Mikel Arteta’s pecking order. That lack of game time could eventually prompt him to weigh up his future.
De Jong’s Absence Complicates Matters
Frenkie de Jong has yet to feature this season after a knee problem suffered at the 2026 World Cup. The 29-year-old is contracted until 2029, so Barcelona face no immediate decision, and Flick has already tried Rodri and Pedri in bigger roles.
Zubimendi’s contract runs until June 2030, which leaves Arsenal in a strong negotiating position and under no pressure to sell cheaply.
Our Opinion
This looks more like background interest than a genuine pursuit. Zubimendi makes sense on paper, but Barcelona have no pressing need to force a deal. If De Jong returns to his best, the idea probably fades. If he struggles, Zubimendi could quickly become a serious target.