Martin Zubimendi Responds to Atletico Madrid Rumours: “I Haven’t Contacted Anyone”

Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi has denied reports that he is close to joining Atletico Madrid, according to an interview with MARCA.

The 27-year-old Spain international said he has not contacted anyone about a move. He also said he has put no energy into the speculation.

Sources inside Atletico have also denied any negotiation or intention to sign him in January, according to journalist Antonio Ruiz on COPE’s “El Partidazo”.

According to reports in Spain, Atletico were interested in the midfielder and have been courting him before, during his time at Real Sociedad. A day before the interview, a report also suggested he could arrive in January as part of a swap involving Julian Alvarez.

MARCA asked Zubimendi whether he was calm about the rumours, given that he is not playing as much as expected. “I haven’t wasted any energy on outside things,” he said.

“I’m busy enough trying to earn a place, get playing time, and fight to win this Premier League, which is looking so promising. I haven’t spent any energy on it, nor have I contacted anyone.”

Asked directly about the Atletico reports, he said the press sometimes surprises him.

“I understand that the winter transfer window is approaching and rumors can surface, but I think we need to be a bit more careful with what we publish.”

He asked for respect towards clubs. “Ultimately, everyone has a team they play for, and we need to respect that. I’ve also read that I might be close, but not at all.”

Zubimendi said the reports bother him. “Often a news story comes out and it seems that if it doesn’t come true, it’s quickly forgotten and nothing happens,” he said.

“I’m learning how this world works and getting used to it, but sometimes I could avoid a lot of the messages I receive because of this kind of news.”

He said the stories have a practical effect on him. He sometimes has to check Twitter himself to see what has been published, so he can answer the people who ask him about it.

Zubimendi joined Arsenal in the summer of 2025, after Mikel Arteta identified him as a long-term successor to Thomas Partey. He rejected interest from Liverpool to make the move. Arsenal activated his €60 million release clause to sign him from Real Sociedad.

He was one of Arsenal’s standout performers in his first six months. Arteta then gave Myles Lewis-Skelly a chance in central midfield with four league games remaining. Lewis-Skelly kept his place as Arsenal won the title and reached the Champions League final.

Bruno Guimaraes has since arrived, and Mikel Merino has returned to fitness. Zubimendi has played 100 Premier League minutes in Arsenal’s opening 10 league matches this season.

His total across all competitions is 12 appearances and 380 minutes. Arseblog noted that an ankle problem has not helped.

He is under contract until 2030, and Arseblog said Real Madrid and Chelsea have also been linked with him.