Arsenal midfielder Martín Zubimendi has directly denied reports linking him with a move away from the club, insisting he is happy in London and focused on the title race. The 27-year-old Spain international, who joined the Gunners in the summer of 2025, has seen his playing time reduced this season but remains fully committed to Mikel Arteta's squad. The team's strong start, with nine wins and one loss from their opening 10 games, has built a five-point cushion at the top.

Zubimendi addressed speculation of interest from Atlético Madrid head-on. "I've also read that a move [to Atlético] might be on the cards, but that's far from the case," he said. "I haven't wasted any energy on it, nor have I got in touch with anyone.

Zubimendi was a key figure last season, making 57 appearances as Arsenal won the league and reached the Champions League final. This campaign, he has made 12 appearances but is yet to start a Premier League game, logging just 100 minutes across seven league outings. The return to fitness of Bruno Guimarães and Mikel Merino, who provided an assist in the 2-1 win over Slavia Praha, coupled with the emergence of Myles Lewis-Skelly, has increased competition in midfield. Zubimendi also admitted that the physical toll of last season's heavy workload may have affected him, saying he is now managing to see the bright side of playing less.

Manager Mikel Arteta had warned the player about increased competition for places following Guimarães's arrival. Zubimendi's contract runs until June 2030, giving him a long-term platform at the Emirates.

The context of Arsenal's season

His commitment comes as Arsenal sit top of the Premier League, five points clear of Brighton with 27 points from 10 games. The team's recent form reads four wins and a draw from their last five matches, a run that includes a 1-0 victory over Hull City last Saturday where Martin Odegaard scored the winner. This followed a 2-1 win at Slavia Praha and a 1-0 victory at Liverpool, part of a current three-game winning run. With 15 goals scored and only five conceded this season, the squad's defensive solidity has been a hallmark. They face Newcastle United away in their next league fixture on 21 November, a match against a side currently 12th in the table.

Zubimendi, a 2026 World Cup winner with Spain, reiterated his contentment. "Yes, I hope so. I'm happy there. I'm happy in London," he said when asked about seeing out the season. With the Gunners in a strong position at the summit, every squad member's focus is considered vital for the run-in.

More detail at ESPN Soccer