Martín Zubimendi 'surprised' by Atlético Madrid links and expects to stay at Arsenal
Martín Zubimendi has said he is “surprised” by reports linking him with Atlético Madrid and expects to remain at Arsenal until at least June.
The Spain midfielder spoke to Marca a day after reports in Spain suggested Arsenal could be open to selling him, with Atlético named among the clubs keen on the 27-year-old.
Diario Sport reported that Atlético's interest in Zubimendi dates back to his Real Sociedad days, while AS added that Viktor Gyökeres and Mikel Merino could also be moved on as Arsenal look to balance their books and fund further signings.
All three have found minutes hard to come by this season. Zubimendi was a regular last term but is yet to start a Premier League game in this campaign.
The arrival of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United and Myle Lewis-Skelly's move into midfield has increased competition for a regular role. He's started only three games across all competitions and has totalled only 101 minutes of Premier League football.
The midfielder, however, was firm that any talk of an imminent switch to the Metropolitano is wide of the mark, and he took aim at the coverage.
"I am surprised to see the links. People should be more careful about what they publish in the press. I read I’m close to a move [to Atlético] but that’s not the case at all."
Zubimendi also suggested that his reduced role had been discussed with Mikel Arteta before the campaign began, and that he intends to fight for his place in north London.
“Arteta explained the plan to me at the start of the season and we’re here, fighting,” he said.
Asked whether he would still be an Arsenal player in June, Zubimendi replied: "I think so. I am happy there”.
