Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has settled the future of Martin Zubimendi with the team, confirming that the Spanish midfielder will remain at the Emirates Stadium and that there is no intention to let him leave during the summer transfer window.
Arteta’s stance comes after Zubimendi’s name emerged as one of the options for Real Madrid to reinforce their midfield, following the Spanish club’s failure to sign Rodri, who preferred a move from Manchester City to Barcelona.
Zubimendi had previously been linked with Real Madrid prior to leaving Real Sociedad, but Arsenal managed to finalize the deal in the summer of 2025, before the player became an influential figure in the Gunners’ Premier League title triumph and their run to the Champions League final.
Arteta responded clearly when asked about the possibility of the player’s departure, stating: “No, he is a very important player.”
The Spanish coach added: “Without a doubt, he was one of Arsenal’s best players last season. Without him, we would have never reached the position we have arrived at in recent weeks.”
Zubimendi moved to Arsenal from Real Sociedad for around €65 million, after the London club agreed to pay an amount exceeding his release clause to installment-pay the transfer fees.
The 27-year-old played 57 matches in the Arsenal shirt across all competitions during the 2025–2026 season, logging 4,292 minutes, during which he scored 6 goals and provided 3 assists—achieving the best goalscoring tally of his career and helping the Gunners reclaim the Premier League title.
