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Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi has dismissed speculation over his future and insisted he remains happy in north London despite struggling for Premier League minutes this season.
The 27-year-old has been linked with a move to Atletico Madrid after falling down the midfield pecking order following the arrival of Bruno Guimaraes.
Zubimendi, who is yet to start a Premier League game this season, says he has had no contact with any other clubs.
“I haven’t spent any energy on thinking about my future, nor have I contacted anyone,” he told Marca.
“I’ve also read that I might be close to a transfer, but not at all.”
Asked whether he remains happy at Arsenal, Zubimendi replied: “Yes, I’m happy.”
The Spain international was a regular last season, making 57 appearances in all competitions as Arsenal won the Premier League and reached the Champions League final.
But Zubimendi admitted the workload took its toll.
“I don’t like to blame everything on my physical condition, but I definitely noticed that year,” he said.
“It was a new year for me, with a lot of new stimuli. I played a huge number of minutes and, to be honest, I was tired.”
Zubimendi also revealed Mikel Arteta outlined the increased competition for places to him before the start of the campaign.
“I spoke with Mikel at the beginning of the season,” he said.
“He warned me that there were new signings and that there would be playing time for everyone. And here we are, fighting for it.
“I understand my situation because, for me, we’re among the five best teams in Europe.
“There are some fantastic players. New signings have arrived in my position, and there were already some very good players.
“I’m also part of that competition that makes it so difficult to get playing time.”
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https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/arsenal-star-responds-transfer-talk-113600545.html
