Bayern Munich rule out January move for Zubimendi
Bayern Munich have decided against a January move for Martin Zubimendi, according to Sport Bild's head of football Christian Falk, despite weeks of speculation linking the Arsenal midfielder with an exit from north London.
Zubimendi joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad for £60million in July last year and was a key part of the Gunners' Premier League title win and run to the Champions League final, making 57 appearances and scoring six goals in his debut campaign. This season has been a different story, with Mikel Arteta appearing to favour Myles Lewis-Skelly in midfield, limiting Zubimendi to just 12 appearances overall. None of his seven Premier League outings this term have lasted longer than half an hour.
The Friday Injury Tracker
Who's out, who's back and what it means for the next two games.
That drop in game time had fuelled talk of interest from Bayern, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, but Falk has moved to dismiss any suggestion of an imminent Bayern bid. Writing in his column for CF Bayern Insider, Falk said: 'It is NOT TRUE: Bayern Munich are interested in Martin Zubimendi and considering a January move. Bayern will not go for the Spaniard in the winter.'
Falk explained that Bayern had scouted Zubimendi and held talks with him before his move to Arsenal last year, and that the Bavarian club still admire the midfielder. However, he noted that a deal remains unlikely given Zubimendi would be 'expensive' and that Vincent Kompany's side are currently 'searching in other positions'.
Fabrizio Romano has separately confirmed that Xabi Alonso 'loves' Zubimendi, having previously tried to sign him while in charge of Real Madrid, though no concrete move has materialised from that interest either.
Zubimendi addresses his own future
Asked directly about the transfer talk on Wednesday, Zubimendi played down any suggestion he is agitating for a move. “I haven't wasted any energy on outside things,” he said. “I'm busy enough trying to earn a place, get playing time, and fight to win this Premier League, which is looking so promising. I haven't spent any energy on it, nor have I contacted anyone.”
The World Cup winner went further, questioning the volume of speculation surrounding his situation. “To be honest, I'm sometimes surprised by the press too,” he said. “I understand that the winter transfer window is approaching and rumours can surface, but I think we need to be a bit more careful with what we publish. Ultimately, everyone has a team they play for, and we need to respect that. I've also read that I might be close [to joining Atletico Madrid], but not at all.”
When asked whether he expects to see out the season at Arsenal, Zubimendi was unequivocal. “Yes, I hope so. I'm happy there,” he said.
For now, the midfielder's words and Falk's reporting both point toward Zubimendi remaining in north London through January, regardless of his reduced role under Arteta this season.
