'.

Arsenal 27yo responds to Atletico transfer reports

Martin Zubimendi has hit back at rumours linking him with a move away from Arsenal, suggesting the media need to be more careful with what they publish.

Martin Zubimendi of Arsenal during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Arsenal FC and Coventry City at Emirates Stadium on August 21, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Reports in Spain over the last few days had suggested that Atletico Madrid are interested in signing Martin Zubimendi in the January transfer window, with the Spanish club making that interest known.

According to the claims, Atletico believe they need January reinforcements, and they’re universally keen on Zubimendi. Atletico player Alex Baena even responded to the rumours by suggesting he’d ‘love’ for the Arsenal midfielder to join.

But speaking to the media himself, Zubimendi suggested he isn’t close to a move, and he hasn’t spoken to anyone about one.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 21: Martin Zubimendi of Arsenal during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Arsenal FC and Coventry City at Emirates Stadium on August 21, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

“To be honest, I’m sometimes surprised by the press too,” Zubimendi said. “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.

“Ultimately, everyone has a team they play for, and we need to respect that. I’ve also read that I might be close (to a move), but not at all.

“I haven’t spent any energy on it, nor have I contacted anyone.”

NAPLES, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 09: Martin Zubimendi of Arsenal FC during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between SSC Napoli and Arsenal FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on September 09, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images

Zubimendi confirmed he has a contract until 2030, and when asked whether he’ll stay at Arsenal until the end of the 2026/27 campaign, the player responded: “Yes, I hope so. I’m happy there.”

As well as Atletico Madrid, Zubimendi had also been linked with Chelsea, with Xabi Alonso apparently a big fan.

But that doesn’t really matter if Arsenal don’t want to sell, and Tom Canton reports for Football.London that despite the player’s limited recent minutes, he’s still valued by Mikel Arteta and has plenty of credit at his current club.

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 13: Martin Zubimendi of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's first goal with teammate Mikel Merino during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Nottingham Forest at Emirates Stadium on September 13, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Jack Thomas/Getty Images)
Photo by Jack Thomas/Getty Images
Related Topics