Martin Zubimendi rejects Atletico Madrid claims and reveals Arteta warning at Arsenal

Martin Zubimendi has dismissed reports linking him with Atletico Madrid as “far from the truth” and says he hopes to remain with Arsenal until the end of the season.

The Spain midfielder has recently seen his role at Arsenal reduced after becoming a regular earlier in the campaign, leading to speculation that he could leave for Atletico Madrid or Real Madrid.

Speaking to Marca, Zubimendi said he had not contacted any club and was focused on winning back his place, competing for minutes and helping Arsenal challenge for the Premier League title.

“I am calm and happy with how I am dealing with this situation,” he said. “It is something I had not experienced before, and I think we also learn from these moments. At times like this, we need the people around us more than ever, and they are there to support us.”

Zubimendi said the change had taught him that he was patient, adding that a player’s situation could change quickly.

“After playing a lot of minutes, when your role changes and you play less, I can see the positive side. Everything passes. Last year I played almost everything, and this can change very quickly.”

He rejected the idea that his reduced playing time was entirely down to fitness, although he acknowledged tiredness may have been a factor last season after he played a large number of minutes and experienced new demands. He also said he had considered seeking psychological support but had not done so.

Zubimendi revealed that Mikel Arteta had explained at the start of the season that new signings would arrive and playing time would be shared across the squad. The midfielder said he understood the intensity of competition at Arsenal, whom he considers one of the five best clubs in Europe, particularly because of the quality and number of players in his position.

Reports that he was close to joining Atletico Madrid had caused particular frustration.

“I have read that my move to Atletico was almost done, but that is very far from the truth,” he said.

Zubimendi said the approach of the winter transfer window might explain why such stories had appeared, but not why information was published without sufficient care for the clubs involved. He added that reports were quickly forgotten when they proved incorrect, leaving players to deal with the consequences.

He said he was happy living in London and understood why speculation about Real Madrid had eased after the club’s results improved.

Zubimendi joined Spain’s squad for the November international break as the world champions prepare to face Czech Republic and England in their final two UEFA Nations League group matches on Thursday and Sunday.

He also recalled appearing in a World Cup final without having played earlier in the tournament. Being on the pitch for Mikel Oyarzabal and Ferran Torres’ goals was a moment he would always remember and helped ease some of the disappointment of his earlier absence.

The midfielder called playing alongside Rodri for Spain a “blessing”, describing him as a world-class player and the best in his position.

Spain’s unbeaten run was not dominating the squad’s thoughts before the Czech Republic match, he added, although it offered an opportunity to extend the sequence. The players, he said, treated it as another game, with the manager responsible for reminding them of what they had achieved and could still accomplish.

Zubimendi remains under contract with Arsenal until 2030 and stressed that he is happy at the club.