Zubimendi Breaks Silence on Real Madrid Links as Arsenal Circle for Blockbuster Move

Arsenal's new signing Martín Zubimendi has criticized media outlets and press conferences for creating speculation around a possible transfer to Real Madrid during the summer, prior to his move to the Emirates.

The midfielder joined the north London side in early July through a £60 million ($80.1 million) transfer and has made an impressive start in England's top flight. Arsenal fans are optimistic that the club's busy summer recruitment will finally deliver a Premier League title, after three straight second-place finishes.

The typically quiet player, speaking paradoxically in a recent conversation with El Mundo, criticized press coverage for incorrectly generating speculation before his Arsenal transfer was finalized.

"Well, I'm not sure. Ultimately, from what I've experienced... they haven't brought me much good. Sometimes they've actually been harmful, creating problems for me occasionally... Some have put me in uncomfortable situations, so I sometimes choose to stay away from them," the Arsenal player explained when questioned about his feelings toward media appearances.

Connecting this to summer transfer rumors, Zubimendi was asked directly whether there was substance to Real Madrid interest. The Spanish international responded with laughter before stating: "You understand what I meant about press interviews?"

Zubimendi Dismisses Real Madrid Speculation Prior to Arsenal Transfer

Mikel Arteta identified Zubimendi as a key target for his central midfield when the club pursued Real Sociedad colleague Mikel Merino during 2024. Zubimendi had turned down Liverpool's interest in the same window to stay in San Sebastian, and it emerged the following January that he would join Arsenal after the 2024–25 campaign concluded.

Although Arsenal had virtually secured Zubimendi's signature early in the year, some summer complications sparked speculation about a potential Real Madrid intervention. Needing midfield additions, various publications referenced the player's past statements about reuniting with Xabi Alonso as justification for the potential move.

Zubimendi had previously described Alonso as his "hero" and mentioned he "enjoyed playing under him" when the current Real Madrid boss managed Sociedad's B team in 2019.

Though Alonso will likely look to revamp Los Blancos' central midfield in 2026, Zubimendi, now settled at Arsenal for the foreseeable future, won't feature in Madrid's transfer considerations.