Zubimendi's Slam Door on Atlético

Martín Zubimendi, Spanish midfielder of Arsenal, has denied rumors linking him to Atlético de Madrid and made it clear that he is happy in London. In statements to Marca, the international with Spain assured that he hopes to continue with the English team until June and recalled that Mikel Arteta explained the project to him before the season started.

Martín Zubimendi denies he is close to signing with Atlético de Madrid

“I am surprised to see the rumors. People should be more careful about what they publish in the press,” explained Zubimendi when asked about the information linking him to Atlético. The player went further and categorically denied that his departure to the red-and-white club is imminent.

“I read that I’m close to a transfer, but that’s not the case at all,” affirmed the midfielder to Marca. His words contradict the news that positioned him as a possible signing to strengthen the midfield of the Madrid team.

Zubimendi's message leaves little room for interpretation: for now, his priority is to stay at Arsenal. The player did not confirm negotiations with Atlético nor showed any intention to change teams during the upcoming market.

For the red-and-white team, these statements represent an obstacle in planning their midfield. The situation could be revisited later, but the player's words rule out the proximity of the transfer that had been published.

🚨 Martín Zubimendi on Atlético Madrid links: “I am surprised to see the links. People should be more careful about what they publish in the press”. “I read I’m close to a move [to Atlético] but that’s not the case at all”, told Marca. https://t.co/b8IO82Syjp

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 11, 2026

The Arsenal convinces Zubimendi and Arteta maintains his confidence

The midfielder also spoke about his continuity in England and expressed a desire to remain at Arsenal until June. “Staying at Arsenal until June? I think so. I am happy there,” he stated in the interview with Marca.

Zubimendi explained that his decision is related to the confidence he received from Arteta at the beginning of the season. “Arteta explained the plan to me at the start of the season, and here we are, fighting,” he commented. The player thus supports the sporting idea that the coach presented to him before starting the campaign.

His stance also reflects that he does not view his time in London as a provisional step. Arsenal bet on him to strengthen the midfield, and the player maintains his commitment to the team while competing for the objectives of the season.

Spain continues to have a midfielder who prioritizes continuity

Zubimendi's situation also interests Spain, where his role at Arsenal is part of the monitoring of internationals competing abroad. A stable continuity in London would allow him to maintain his adaptation to English football and continue working within Arteta's structure.

For now, there are no indications in his statements that the midfielder wants to change direction in January. His immediate horizon includes finishing the season with Arsenal, while Atlético will need to consider other options if they require signing a midfielder.

The next step will be to see if the red-and-white interest reappears in future transfer windows. For now, Martín Zubimendi has publicly established his position: he is happy at Arsenal, trusts Arteta's plan, and does not consider himself close to signing with Atlético de Madrid.