Apex Scores Lite Apex Scores Lite flag
back Back
Arsenal's Martin Zubimendi denies wanting to leave amid Atlético Madrid links

Martín Zubimendi has denied he is considering leaving Arsenal in the January transfer window amid reported interest from Atlético Madrid.

The Spanish midfielder has logged only 100 minutes in seven league appearances for Arsenal this term, a far cry from last season, where he played in all 38 Premier League games to help the Gunners win the title, averaging 79 minutes per game.

"I realise the winter transfer window is coming up, and rumours may start to circulate," he told Marca while on international duty with Spain.

"I've also read that a move [to Atlético] might be on the cards, but that's far from the case. I haven't wasted any energy on it, nor have I got in touch with anyone. I haven't wasted any energy on external matters. I've got enough on my plate just trying to earn a place in the team, get some playing time and fight to win this Premier League title, which is looking so promising."

Arsenal are top of the Premier League, five points clear of nearest rivals Brighton.

Asked if he will continue at Arsenal until the end of the season, Zubimendi, whose contract runs until June 2030, said: "Yes, I hope so. I'm happy there. I'm happy in London."

A 2026 World Cup winner with Spain, Zubimendi believes the workload of last season that led to physical fatigue, has affected his performances.

"I played an enormous number of minutes [last season], and, to be honest, I was tired," he said. "There were other factors, too, but the physical aspect could very well have been one of them."

Asked if he has considered seeking psychological help to deal with this bad patch, Zubimendi said: "I've thought about it and wouldn't rule it out, but for now, I haven't gone down that path.

Martín Zubimendi has denied reports linking him with a move to Atlético Madrid. Maynard Manyowa/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images

"I'm well, I'm calm and happy with how I'm handling this situation. It's something I'd never experienced before, and I think you learn from situations like this too. What's more, it's at times like this that you need the people around you the most, and they're there for you."

- Saliba's return gives Arsenal's Arteta a selection headache - Ferdinand
- Konsa ruled out of England's clash with Croatia, Hill called up
- White: England fans don't know full story of 2022 World Cup squad exit

Zubimendi, 27, is focusing on the positives.

"When you've been playing a lot of minutes and your role changes to playing less, I'm managing to see the bright side," he said. "I think everything comes and goes; just as the opposite happened to me last year and I played practically every minute, things can change very quickly."

Zubimendi admits he was warned by Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta that the he would face competition for playing time with the arrival of midfielder Bruno Guimarães.

"I spoke to Mikel [Arteta] at the start of the season," Zubimendi said.

"As he does with all the players, he explained the plan to me briefly. He told me there were some new signings and that there would be playing time for everyone. I understand that because, as far as I'm concerned, we're among the top five teams in Europe.

"There are some absolutely brilliant players. New signings have come in for my position, and there were already some very good players there. I'm also part of that competition that makes it so difficult to play. And here we are, giving it our all."

hierarchy visualization

You may like

Arsenal star Gabriel Magalhaes aims to help Brazil soothe back pains

straitstimes.com 4 hours ago

'Ipswich's biggest problem is what they are doing to themselves'

aol.com 1 hour ago

Crucial Notes and Quotes From UVA’s Ryan Odom After Bucknell Win

si.com 51 minutes ago

This Canadian High School Baseball Team is on a Streak

goodnet.org 7 hours ago

‘An eternal shame’: Bilic and Croatia aim to use 7-0 humbling as fuel against England

theguardian.com 1 hour ago

Darius Acuff Jr. shines, frustration builds as Kings fall to 1-10

aol.com 1 hour ago

Psychological uncertainty and tactics - assessing the issues at Man City

bbc.com 2 hours ago

No. 9 UCLA vs. No. 17 Miami: A Firsthand Comparison From a Common Opponent

si.com 51 minutes ago

Wisconsin Is Bowl Eligible, but Luke Fickell Still Has Something to Prove

si.com 1 hour ago

Andoni Iraola was sacked from his first job at AEK Larnaca in Cyprus: Liverpool manager’s difficu...

skysports.com 3 hours ago