Martin Zubimendi responds to Real Madrid rumour and makes Arsenal promise
Martin Zubimendi has said that he is not planning to leave Arsenal anytime soon and is not bothered that Real Madrid are not actively looking to sign him.
Zubimendi joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2025 and is under contract at the north London club until 2030.
The Spain international midfielder has made 69 appearances for Arsenal so far in his career, scoring six goals and providing four assists in the process.
Zubimendi was a key player in Mikel Arteta’s side for most of last season and helped the Gunners win the Premier League title as well as reach the final of the Champions League.
However, Zubimendi lost his place in the Arsenal starting line-up towards the final weeks of the 2025/26 campaign.
Arsenal went and signed Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United in the summer transfer window.
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The signing of the Brazilian star has led Zubimendi to becoming a peripheral figure in the Arsenal team.
The 27-year-old midfielder has played only seven minutes in the Premier League and has started just once in the Champions League for Arsenal so far this season.
There were reports in the Spanish media this week that Atletico Madrid are close to signing Zubimendi from Arsenal in the January transfer window.
The Spaniard, though, has made it clear that is not the case.
While stating that he is planning to stay at Arsenal, Zubimendi also did not seem bothered that Real Madrid are not interested in him now.
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Xabi Alonso wanted Madrid to sign Zubimendi from Sociedad in the summer of 2025 when he was appointed Los Blancos manager.
The midfielder eventually went on to join Arsenal, with Alonso, now in charge of Chelsea, losing his job at the Bernabeu midway through the 2025/26 season.
Martin Zubimendi wants Arsenal stay
When asked about the Atletico rumours, Zubimendi told Marca: “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.
“Ultimately, everyone has a team they play for, and we need to respect that.
“I’ve also read that I might be close, but not at all.”
Zubimendi was then asked whether it bothers him.
The Arsenal midfielder responded: “Yes, that’s true.
“Often a news story comes out and it seems that if it doesn’t come true, it’s quickly forgotten and nothing happens.
“I’m learning how this world works and getting used to it, but sometimes I could avoid a lot of the messages I receive because of this kind of news.”
During the interview, it was presented to Zubimendi that with Madrid flying high under manager Jose Mourinho this season, there are no more talks of him leaving Arsenal for Los Blancos.
The midfielder said: “I understand. I think it’s part of football, of the moments and the news. People like all of this too.”
Zubimendi went on to say that he is “happy” in London.
When asked whether he will stay at Arsenal until the end of the season, Zubimendi responded: “Yes, I hope so. I’m happy there.”
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