Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi has spoken about speculation over his future and his reduced role this season, with the Spain international yet to start a Premier League game and reflecting on the impact of last season’s heavy workload.
Response to transfer speculation and future
Martin Zubimendi is currently an Arsenal midfielder and said he has not spent any energy thinking about a move away or contacting other clubs. Zubimendi said: "I haven’t spent any energy on thinking about my future, nor have I contacted anyone."
He noted that he has seen claims suggesting he could be close to a transfer, but he rejected that idea. Zubimendi said: "I’ve also read that I might be close to a transfer, but not at all."
Asked whether he remains happy at Arsenal, Zubimendi gave a brief but clear answer. Zubimendi said: "Yes, I’m happy."
Impact of last season’s workload
Zubimendi has been described as a Spain international and was characterised last season as a regular for Arsenal, making 57 appearances in all competitions as the club won the Premier League and reached the Champions League final.
Looking back on that campaign, Zubimendi said he clearly felt the effects of the year, even if he does not want to attribute everything to his physical condition. Zubimendi said: "I don’t like to blame everything on my physical condition, but I definitely noticed that year."
He explained that last season brought many new experiences and a very high number of minutes on the pitch. Zubimendi said: "It was a new year for me, with a lot of new stimuli. I played a huge number of minutes and, to be honest, I was tired."
Conversation with Mikel Arteta and current situation
Zubimendi has yet to start a Premier League game this season and described how he discussed his situation with Mikel Arteta at the beginning of the campaign. Zubimendi said: "I spoke with Mikel at the beginning of the season."
He recalled that Arteta warned him about the arrival of new signings and the distribution of minutes across the squad. Zubimendi said: "He warned me that there were new signings and that there would be playing time for everyone. And here we are, fighting for it."
Zubimendi said he understands his position in the team because of how highly he rates Arsenal in the European game. Zubimendi said: "I understand my situation because, for me, we’re among the five best teams in Europe."
Midfield competition for playing time
Zubimendi highlighted the quality and depth in Arsenal’s midfield, noting both existing options and recent additions in his role. Zubimendi said: "There are some fantastic players. New signings have arrived in my position, and there were already some very good players."
He added that he is part of that battle for minutes, which makes it harder to secure regular game time. Zubimendi said: "I’m also part of that competition that makes it so difficult to get playing time."
