JAKARTA - Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi has denied Spanish speculation that he is the player Real Madrid need.
The 27-year-old moved to the North London club for a reported 70 million euros from Real Sociedad in July 2026 despite rumours that then-Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso considered him the ideal candidate to replace departing Luka Modric.
However, Zubimendi finally denied the rumor when interviewed by radio Cadena Ser.
"I don't think so. Real Madrid has more than enough players to achieve, so no," the Spaniard said, as reported by ESPN.
Zubimendi played the full 90 minutes on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, early morning WIB, when Arsenal beat Chelsea to reach the Carabao Cup final.
"We have taken the first step, but we are aware that there are three very important months ahead," Zubimendi said.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are six points ahead of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table and have qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League after becoming the only club to win all eight games in the group stage.
Seeing the situation, Zubimendi is ambitious to win the two big trophies.
"It's about winning. The standings are good, but we'll see who wins," said Zubimendi.
Zubimendi has adapted well to the English League and has scored five goals and three assists in 33 matches for the Gunners.
"When you feel important and you play, it really calms you down. It's true that I have adapted well in the league."
"However, I realize that the game is very demanding, that everyone puts pressure on you and that the level is very high," he said.
Apart from that, Zubimendi said his teammate and fellow Spaniard Mikel Merino will try to recover from a foot injury in time for the 2026 World Cup.
Merino suffered a bone fracture injury due to pressure when Arsenal lost 2-3 to Manchester United in the league on January 25, 2026 and will only return at the end of the season.
"I know myself that he will do his best (to recover before the 2026 World Cup), I hope so. I'm sad to see him out because I know how professional he is and how much he wants to help us on the field."
"I know he is the one who suffers the most, but the damage caused by his injury to the team is very significant," said Zubimendi.
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