Martin Zubimendi had the chance to leave Arsenal before the transfer window closed, but he never took it as Chelsea failed in their efforts to add him to their squad.
Zubimendi had been a transfer target for the Blues over the last few weeks, with Xabi Alonso keen to sign the Spaniard. Alonso wanted to add him to his squad at Real Madrid and later expressed the same wish to Chelsea.
However, Chelsea could not strike a deal for Zubimendi, meaning he remained at Arsenal despite the opportunity to move to West London. His decision to stay could now prove significant as he faces increased competition for his place.
Zubimendi faces competition at Arsenal
Bruno Guimaraes’ arrival and the fine form of Myles Lewis-Skelly mean Zubimendi has a big fight for regular football at Arsenal. The Spaniard may therefore have to work hard to establish himself and secure a consistent role.
The situation raises questions about whether Zubimendi could eventually regret not leaving Arsenal when he had the opportunity. With Chelsea interested in him, a move to West London could have offered a different challenge and potentially more certainty over his role.
At the same time, Viktor Gyokeres also had the chance to leave Arsenal during the transfer window. The striker was linked with clubs such as Barcelona and Atletico Madrid as he faced the possibility of a quick exit from the Gunners.
Gyokeres also faces uncertain future
However, Gyokeres did not leave and now finds himself on the bench while Mikel Arteta trusts Kai Havertz as his starting striker. That situation could be embarrassing for the Swede, particularly because he was signed due to his reputation as a lethal striker.
Gyokeres was brought to Arsenal to provide a major threat in front of goal, yet Havertz is currently ahead of him in the pecking order. The German is also injury prone, but what happens if he remains fit throughout the season?
If Havertz does not suffer an injury, Gyokeres could continue to struggle for starts and might begin wondering whether he should have accepted an opportunity to leave. Like Zubimendi, he will now have to prove his value and fight for his place.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
ADMIN COMMENT
So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….
You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.
CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us through this link…
No
They both joined Arsenal to win silverware.
In their first season, they won the P L and came within a ‘penalty’ of winning the C L.
AND
They won the C S a few weeks ago.
Why would they want to leave?
Zubi will play many, many minutes. Gyok too if Havertz carried on like he did at Villa.
We don’t know which players may be carrying a slight knock or are still finishing a conditioning program. Note this doesn’t necessarily they’re not match fit, but rather that they’ve been on a specific program (e.g. to build longer term endurance for Zubi or give him an extended break after burnout last season, or to build speed for Gyok) that may take longer than the length of a post-World Cup offseason allows. Refer to cycling or athletics for loads of examples of this type of approach.
Also, everybody’s physiology differs.
What a strange question to ask. Theyll all play loads of games this season. This negativity from all these arsenal pages has been baffling to see. We’re champions and have just had a great start to the season. Nobody is regretting anything
Just go back to this time every season. Rinse and repeat. Unfortunately, the title doesn’t bring with it a difference in perspective to many.
Spot on! One thing people always don’t consider at the start of the season is injuries,which are bound to happen. Players’ form can change as well. Any given player on the bench could easily be a starter soon. We have 5 games coming up in the span of two weeks and everyone is going to get plenty of game time if the manager rotates smartly.
They didn’t gave the option to leave. No one wanted Gyokeres and Chelsea were turned down by Arsenal when they came in for Zubimendi.
They didn’t have the option to leave. No one wanted Gyokeres and Chelsea were turned down by Arsenal when they came in for Zubimendi.
Zubimendi’s year comprises BOTH the EPL Title and a WC winners medal even as a valued squad member why on earth would we try to show him the door? Already we’re well placed in the league we will stay there and cast our net out for strikers who are worthy to wear the arsenal shirt.
No time for panic when your EPL Champions… instead we just do what we do best, that’s beat whatsoever is in front of us and re-discover the continuity. #COYG!
Spot On Revilo.!!!!
Last season they both played too many games,a bit of time on the bench won’t do any harm
Both have unfinished business at Arsenal that is winning the UCL beside breaking a 90 year record for a back to back EPL title. Arteta surely has convinced them of this project. Getting enough minutes is easy at Arsenal as they normally play on 4 fronts and someone gets injured any time