Arsenal make Martin Zubimendi stance clear after Real Madrid change course

Arsenal have no intention of allowing Martin Zubimendi to leave the club, despite the midfielder starting the season on the bench and Real Madrid ending their interest in signing him.

The 27-year-old has faced uncertainty over his position at Arsenal after being named among the substitutes for the club’s first two competitive matches of the campaign. He did not start against Manchester City in the Community Shield or against Coventry City in the opening game of the league season.

However, reports from Fichajes say two significant developments have now clarified the Spain international’s immediate future.

The first came from Madrid, where Real Madrid have reportedly removed Zubimendi from their current list of midfield targets. The Spanish giants had been linked with the player for an extended period, but have now decided to pursue alternative options in that area of the squad.

That decision closes one of the most prominent potential routes away from north London for Zubimendi.

The second development came from Arsenal and is more decisive. Despite his early appearances being limited to substitute roles, the club have made it clear that they do not plan to loan out or sell the midfielder. Reports suggesting that he could leave are regarded by the club as unfounded.

Zubimendi also retains the full backing of manager Mikel Arteta, who has explained that the player’s absence from the starting XI is part of a deliberate approach to managing his workload rather than a sign that he has fallen out of favour.

Arteta said: “Our goal is to prevent his energy from being drained at the end of the season. We cannot allow a repeat of what happened when he arrived having played 55 matches. He has to think about how to raise his level so he can repeat what he did last year, but for 11 full months.”

The manager’s comments indicate that Arsenal are focused on maintaining Zubimendi’s effectiveness throughout the campaign, rather than rushing him into every match at the start of the season.

The midfielder now faces a demanding battle for a regular place in an Arsenal team where competition has increased following the arrival of Bruno Guimaraes. There is also strong confidence within the club in the young Lewis-Skelly, adding further pressure on Zubimendi to establish himself.

With Real Madrid no longer pursuing him and Arsenal determined to keep him, the next stage of Zubimendi’s story is likely to be decided on the pitch. He will have to compete strongly for a starting position in a midfield group containing both experienced new additions and highly rated young talent.

The developments have also prompted wider discussion among fans, with the subject and related football news available for debate on the Kooora forums.