Arteta’s long-term Zubimendi plan puts Real Madrid midfield pursuit on hold

Mikel Arteta has made it clear that Arsenal have no intention of allowing Martin Zubimendi to leave, dealing a significant blow to Real Madrid’s hopes of signing the Spain midfielder.

Zubimendi has been linked with a move to Real Madrid in recent weeks, particularly after the Spanish club failed to complete a deal for Rodri, who chose to join Barcelona. The 27-year-old had emerged as one of Madrid’s possible alternatives, having previously been monitored by the club.

However, Arteta’s latest comments suggest Arsenal regard Zubimendi as an important part of their plans and are focused on helping him maintain his best form rather than considering his departure.

The midfielder’s role was reduced towards the end of last season and he was left on the bench for some matches. Despite that, Arteta said Zubimendi remained a key member of his squad and praised the contribution he made throughout the campaign.

“Without a doubt, he was one of Arsenal’s best players last season. Without him, we would not have reached the position we were in during the final weeks,” said Arteta.

The Arsenal manager explained that Zubimendi’s reduced playing time late in the season was not a reflection of any loss of confidence. Instead, the club wanted to manage his physical workload after he had played a large number of matches.

Arteta said the decision was taken to reduce the risk of fatigue during a decisive period of the campaign. Arsenal’s coaching staff believed it was important to protect the player after the demands placed on him over the course of the season.

“We cannot repeat what we did, then reach the final stage of the season and find that he has already played 55 matches. We cannot allow that to happen again at this level,” he said.

The manager also insisted that bringing in additional midfielders would not represent a lack of faith in Zubimendi. Instead, new arrivals would give Arsenal more options and allow the club to manage the workload of its players more effectively throughout the season.

“Now, I will think about how to raise the player’s level so that I can repeat what he did last year, but for 11 months. That is all there is to it,” Arteta said, in comments reported by Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo.

Arteta’s position indicates that Arsenal are planning for Zubimendi to remain central to their project for the new season. His comments also suggest the club’s priority is to keep him fit and performing consistently across the entire campaign, rather than relying on him for an unsustainable number of appearances.

Real Madrid had already followed the midfielder before his name returned to prominence as a potential alternative after their efforts to sign Rodri stalled. The Spanish giants may now have to consider another solution in midfield, with Arteta’s public commitment appearing to close the door on a move for Zubimendi.

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