Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has made clear that Martin Zubimendi is not expected to leave the club, despite speculation over the midfielder’s future.
Reports about a possible separation between Arsenal and the Spain international have intensified since Bruno Guimaraes joined the London club from Newcastle. However, Arteta has given a firm response to suggestions that Zubimendi could be sold, indicating that the 27-year-old remains part of his plans.
The comments offer a clear position from the Arsenal manager at a time when discussion about Zubimendi’s status has grown around the club. The midfielder only joined Arsenal last summer, but speculation about a potential departure has already emerged following the arrival of Guimaraes.
Arteta’s message is that Zubimendi will stay at Arsenal. The manager’s stance effectively rejects the idea that the player’s future at Emirates Stadium is under immediate threat, while also underlining the club’s intention to retain the midfielder despite the latest transfer talk.
Zubimendi moved to Arsenal from Real Sociedad last summer in a deal worth 70m euros. His contract with the club runs until 2030, meaning Arsenal retain the player on a long-term agreement.
The midfielder is 27 and, according to Arteta’s response, is not being considered for sale. No indication has been given that Arsenal are preparing to end his time in north London, with the manager instead making his view on the situation unmistakable.
Interest in the player’s future has been linked in particular to Guimaraes’ arrival from Newcastle. That move prompted questions about whether Arsenal might alter their midfield options and whether Zubimendi could become surplus to requirements. Arteta has now answered those questions by making it clear that the Spanish midfielder is going nowhere.
Zubimendi’s signing from Real Sociedad for 70m euros and his contract through to 2030 represent a significant commitment from Arsenal. His current situation is therefore defined by the manager’s public position rather than by the rumours surrounding him.
The latest comments do not change the basic details of his Arsenal agreement: Zubimendi remains tied to the club until 2030 after joining last summer. They do, however, provide a direct indication of how Arteta views his place within the squad.
For now, the message from the Arsenal manager is straightforward. Despite the reports that have followed Guimaraes’ arrival from Newcastle, there is no suggestion from Arteta that Zubimendi will be allowed to leave Arsenal.