Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has moved to shut down two potential departures ahead of the January transfer window, blocking exit attempts by midfielder Martin Zubimendi and left-back Piero Hincapie, according to reports from Sport Witness citing Spanish sources.

With Arsenal sitting top of the Premier League and in a strong position in the UEFA Champions League, Arteta appears determined to hold on to his full-strength squad rather than allow key players to leave in the middle of the campaign.

Zubimendi set to stay despite limited game time

Zubimendi arrived at the Emirates Stadium last summer in a major transfer coup, with Arsenal beating the likes of Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Barcelona to secure his signature. The 2026 World Cup winner has, however, found himself fourth in midfield contention since the emergence of Myles Lewis-Skelly and the arrival of Bruno Guimaraes.

Despite his reduced role, Arteta is said to be reluctant to let the Basque midfielder leave, having invested considerable effort in bringing him to North London. The Arsenal manager believes Zubimendi's opportunities could grow as the season progresses — a scenario he witnessed last term, when the player was a near ever-present alongside Declan Rice before fatigue saw him drop to the bench.

Barcelona eye Hincapie amid defensive crisis

Hincapie initially joined Arsenal on loan from Bayer Leverkusen in the same summer window as Zubimendi. The versatile Ecuadorian established himself as a reliable first-team option by the end of that campaign, even starting the UEFA Champions League final ahead of Riccardo Calafiori, before Arsenal made the deal permanent.

His start to the current season has been disrupted by injury and the strong form of Calafiori, prompting reported interest from Barcelona, who are dealing with a defensive crisis of their own. Nevertheless, Arteta is unwilling to sanction Hincapie's sale, refusing to thin out a squad that may already need reinforcement in attacking areas come January.

Strengthening, not selling

Arsenal ended last season without replacing several key attackers — Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, and Leandro Trossard all departed before the current campaign began. Christos Tzolis came in as the primary addition in that area, while Eberechi Eze has been handed more responsibility on the left wing.

The club's hierarchy understands that competing for the Premier League title and deep UEFA Champions League runs this season will likely require additions in January — not subtractions. Blocking the exits of Zubimendi and Hincapie appears to be the first step in that calculation.