Mikel Arteta has reaffirmed Martin Zubimendi’s importance to Arsenal, dealing a fresh blow to Real Madrid’s hopes of signing the Spain midfielder.
Zubimendi’s future has been the subject of growing speculation in recent weeks, with Real Madrid reportedly monitoring the 27-year-old as a possible alternative after the Spanish club failed to complete a deal for Rodri Hernandez, who chose to move to Barcelona.
However, Arteta’s latest comments suggest Arsenal have no intention of allowing Zubimendi to leave. The Arsenal manager continues to regard him as a key part of his squad and believes the midfielder made a major contribution to the team’s results last season.
“Without a doubt, he was one of Arsenal’s best players last season… without him, we would not have reached the position we were in during the final weeks,” said Arteta.
Zubimendi’s involvement did decrease towards the end of the campaign, with the midfielder starting some matches on the substitutes’ bench. Arteta said that change was not a reflection of reduced confidence in the player, but instead a decision designed to manage his physical workload more carefully.
The Arsenal manager explained that Zubimendi had played a large number of matches over the course of the season. As a result, the coaching staff reduced his minutes during the decisive part of the campaign to limit the risk of fatigue.
“We cannot repeat what we did, then arrive at the final stage of the season and find that he has already played 55 matches. We cannot allow that again at this level,” Arteta said.
Arsenal’s interest in strengthening their midfield will also not necessarily signal a change in the club’s view of Zubimendi. Arteta said any new arrivals would give him more options and allow the club to manage players’ workloads throughout the season.
Real Madrid had previously kept track of Zubimendi before his name returned to prominence as a potential target following the difficulties surrounding their pursuit of Rodri. The Spanish club may now have to consider other midfield options if Arsenal maintain their position.
Arteta’s focus is instead on helping Zubimendi recover his best form and remain available throughout the season. In comments reported by the Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, he said: “Now, I will think about how to raise the player’s level so that I can repeat what he did last year, but for 11 months. That is all.”
The remarks underline Arsenal’s intention to retain Zubimendi as part of their plans for the new season. Rather than preparing for his departure, Arteta is looking at how to reproduce the midfielder’s best performances over a longer period while avoiding the physical strain caused by an excessive number of appearances.
Real Madrid, therefore, appear likely to be forced to explore another solution in midfield, with Arteta making clear that Zubimendi remains an important member of the Arsenal project.
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