Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi has dismissed speculation linking him with a January departure from the Premier League champions, insisting he is happy at the club and has no intention of pursuing a move elsewhere.
The 27-year-old addressed the reports in an interview with Spanish newspaper Marca on Wednesday, November 11, amid growing speculation that Atletico Madrid were interested in bringing him back to Spain ahead of the January transfer window.
Zubimendi rejected suggestions that a move was close, saying he had not contacted any clubs and was concentrating on securing regular playing time under manager Mikel Arteta.
“I haven't wasted any energy on external matters. I have enough on my plate trying to earn a place, get playing time, and fight to win this Premier League, which is looking so promising,” he said.
The midfielder also criticised the reporting surrounding his future, questioning the accuracy of claims suggesting he was preparing to leave Arsenal.
“To be honest, I'm sometimes surprised by the press too. I understand that the winter transfer window is approaching and rumours can surface, but I think we need to be a bit more careful with what we publish,” Zubimendi added.
He further insisted that the speculation had not prompted him to approach other clubs, dismissing suggestions that he was close to joining Atletico Madrid.
“I've also read that I might be close, but not at all,” he said.
Zubimendi's comments come amid questions about his reduced involvement at Arsenal this season after playing a significant role in the club's Premier League title-winning campaign last term.
The Spain international has featured in seven Premier League matches but accumulated only 100 minutes, a considerable change from his previous position as one of Arteta's regular midfield selections.
His reduced playing time has coincided with increased competition for places following new additions to Arsenal's midfield, with Atletico Madrid reportedly monitoring his situation as they consider potential reinforcements.
However, Zubimendi revealed that Arteta had prepared him for the increased competition before the season began, explaining that the manager had discussed the squad's plans with him.
“I spoke with Mikel at the beginning of the season. As he does with all the players, he explained the plan to me. He warned me that there were new signings and that there would be playing time for everyone. And here we are, fighting for it,” he explained.
The midfielder acknowledged the quality within Arsenal's squad, describing the club as one of Europe's five best teams and recognising that competition for his position would make regular appearances difficult.
He also admitted that the heavy workload he carried last season had affected him physically, although he was careful not to attribute all his difficulties to fatigue.
“I played a huge number of minutes and, to be honest, I was tired. There were other things too, but one of them could very well have been my physical condition,” he said.
Despite his changing role, Zubimendi maintained that he was comfortable with his situation and viewed the experience as an opportunity to develop patience.
“Yes, I hope so. I'm happy there,” he said, when asked whether he expected to remain at Arsenal until the end of the season, expressing his desire to continue in North London.
His latest remarks provide a direct response to the growing transfer speculation, with the midfielder making clear that his immediate priority remains competing for a place in Arteta's side rather than pursuing a January departure.
