Martin Zubimendi rejected speculation regarding a January departure from Arsenal on Tuesday, insisting he remains prepared to fight for his place in Mikel Arteta’s midfield.
Goal.com reported that the Spain international dismissed claims about an imminent winter transfer. His playing time has decreased significantly following the summer arrival of Bruno Guimaraes.
Atlético Madrid and Chelsea have both expressed interest in the midfielder ahead of the January window, according to recent reports. Diego Simeone reportedly wants to bring Zubimendi back to Spain, while Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is also tracking the player.
The 27-year-old midfielder addressed the media to clear up his future. “For be honest, the press sometimes surprise me too,” Zubimendi told Marca, as reported by Goal.com.
I understand that the winter transfer window is approaching and rumors can appear, but I think we have to be a little more careful with what is published. After all, everyone has a team they play for, and you have to respect that. I also read that I could be close to leaving, but that is not the case at all.
Midfield Competition at the Emirates Stadium
Zubimendi arrived from Real Sociedad for 60 million pounds eighteen months ago. Fatigue forced him to yield minutes to Myles Lewis-Skelly toward the end of last season, and he has yet to start a Premier League fixture this term.
Arteta maintained transparent communication regarding squad depth, according to the player. “I spoke with Mikel at the start of the season,” Zubimendi said, as cited by Goal.com. “He warned me that there were new signings and that everyone would have playing time. And here we are fighting to get it.”
The midfielder acknowledged the fierce internal standards at the club. “I understand it because, for me, we are among the top five teams in Europe,” Zubimendi said. I also participate in this competition that makes playing time so difficult to obtain. I am patient. When you have played a lot and your role changes to the point of playing less, I am able to see the positive side.
Upcoming International Duty with Spain
Arsenal faces a congested fixture schedule over the upcoming holiday period. Un calendrier chargé pourrait offrir à Zubimendi de nouvelles occasions d’obtenir du temps de jeu sous la direction d’Arteta.
Before returning to north London, Zubimendi will join the Spain national team. Spain plays the Czech Republic on Thursday before facing England on Sunday in UEFA Nations League play.
