Zubimendi Dismisses Real Madrid Talk, Says They Do Not Need Him
Mikel Merino says he stayed neutral in the midfielder’s transfer decision.
Overview
- Martin Zubimendi downplayed links to Real Madrid, saying in a recent interview that the Spanish club does not need him.
- Spanish reports had tied the Arsenal midfielder to Madrid and claimed Xabi Alonso wanted him, but Zubimendi publicly rejected the speculation.
- Since joining Arsenal in 2025, he has become a mainstay under Mikel Arteta and has 24 Premier League appearances with four goals this season.
- Mikel Merino told NDTV he deliberately avoided pressuring Zubimendi over his move, describing it as a personal choice.
- Recent coverage contrasts Arsenal’s midfield stability with reporting that Madrid viewed their own options as sufficient when Zubimendi became available.