Zubimendi breaks silence on Arsenal exit rumours: 'Press need to be more careful'
Martin Zubimendi has addressed the growing speculation over his Arsenal future, insisting the transfer talk linking him with a January exit has not affected him in the slightest.
The Spaniard has seen his role at the Emirates diminish this season, with Myles Lewis-Skelly preferred for the Champions League final and the summer arrival of Bruno Guimaraes further squeezing his opportunities in midfield. That drop in minutes has fuelled reports linking him with both Atletico Madrid and Chelsea, just over a year after Mikel Arteta paid £60million to sign him from Real Sociedad.
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Asked about the rumours, Zubimendi did not hold back. “I haven't wasted any energy on outside thing,” 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.”
He went further, suggesting the reporting around his situation has gone beyond what is accurate. “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, but not at all.”
Scott interest resurfaces
Arsenal have reportedly rekindled their interest in Bournemouth's Alex Scott, who still carries the £100million valuation the Cherries placed on him previously. According to The i Paper, Arsenal are prepared to compete with Chelsea and Liverpool for the 23 year old's signature.
Scott, who scored for Bournemouth in their win at the Emirates last season, has continued to develop since his move from Bristol City. Arsenal were understood to be interested in the summer, but Bournemouth had made clear at that stage he was not for sale. That position has since shifted, with the south coast club now willing to entertain offers after Scott turned down a new contract proposal.
Panel rules on Anfield penalty call
Elsewhere, an independent panel has ruled that Liverpool should have been awarded a penalty during Arsenal's win at Anfield, after Jurrien Timber pulled Alexander Isak's shirt. The Key Match Incidents panel voted 4:1 that referee Andy Madley should have pointed to the spot, and 3:2 that VAR Stuart Attwell should have sent Madley to the pitchside monitor. Arsenal went on to win the game 1-0.
With the winter window edging closer, Zubimendi's situation will continue to draw attention, even as the player himself insists his focus remains solely on fighting for his place in Arteta's squad.
