The speculation surrounding Martin Zubimendi’s future at Arsenal has reached a fever pitch, yet the World Cup-winning midfielder has delivered a resounding rebuttal to the latest transfer rumours. In direct response to reports suggesting he is on the verge of joining Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, or Chelsea, Zubimendi has made it unequivocally clear that he has no intention of leaving the club in the January transfer window—or anytime soon.
His statement comes amid growing frustration among Arsenal’s hierarchy over his limited impact this season. Zubimendi has featured in just 12 matches, starting only three of them, a stark contrast to the regular rotation he enjoyed under previous managers. The Gunners’ midfield hierarchy has shifted dramatically since the arrival of Bruno Guimaraes, with Hale Ender, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and even the resurgent Declan Rice now occupying the central positions. Zubimendi’s exclusion from the Champions League final squad further underscored his diminished role, leaving fans and pundits to question whether his time at Arsenal is truly over—or merely paused.
The financial calculus behind Arsenal’s potential sale of Zubimendi adds another layer to the debate. Reports indicate the club is eager to recoup the £50 million spent on his acquisition, with Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid among the suitors eyeing his services. However, Zubimendi’s insistence that he is ‘happy’ at Arsenal complicates matters, particularly as the club appears reluctant to offload him in January. Instead, there are whispers that Arsenal may prefer to wait until the summer, when a clearer picture of his role—and the team’s broader midfield structure—emerges.
The tension between Zubimendi and Mikel Arteta’s management has also been noted, with sources suggesting a ‘cold’ relationship following friction at the end of last season. Yet despite these internal dynamics, Zubimendi’s refusal to entertain a move—even as a temporary loan—has left his future at Arsenal in limbo. The midfielder’s words carry weight: ‘People should be more careful about what they publish in the press.’ For now, the narrative has shifted from ‘when’ to ‘if,’ with Zubimendi’s loyalty to the club appearing unshaken—at least for the time being.
