'They have more than enough players' – Zubimendi rubbishes Real Madrid links

Martin Zubimendi has knocked back suggestions he could swap Arsenal for Real Madrid, quipping that Los Blancos do not need another midfielder.

Zubimendi was linked with Madrid before leaving Real Sociedad for the Emirates Stadium last July, and he has gone on to forge out a key role in Mikel Arteta's engine room.

The Spain international has started 23 Premier League games this season, the most of any Arsenal outfielder, and has formed an impressive partnership with Declan Rice.

Zubimendi's four Premier League goals are the joint-third most by an Arsenal player this term, with only Viktor Gyokeres (six) and Leandro Trossard (five) outscoring him, while he also ranks second in the Gunners squad for both successful passes (1,227) and passes into the final third (373).

Asked by Cadena Ser radio about suggestions Madrid are still interested in his services, Zubimendi said: "I don't think so. Madrid have more than enough players to do well, so no."

Arsenal, who also reached the EFL Cup final on Tuesday, currently boast a six-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table, after three successive runner-up finishes.

And Zubimendi is desperate to help the Gunners finally get over the hump this campaign, saying: "We have taken the first step but we are aware that there are three very important months ahead.

"This is about winning it. The standings are great but we will see who wins. When you feel important and you are playing, it is truly comforting."

Arsenal's hopes took a blow earlier this week when Mikel Merino – a former team-mate of Zubimendi's at La Real and a fellow Spain international – suffered a right foot injury that could sideline him for a couple of months.

It has also been suggested that Merino faces a race against time to be available for Spain's World Cup opener, against Cape Verde on June 15, but Zubimendi is backing him to recover.

"I know first-hand that he will do his all [to recover for the World Cup], I hope so," he said.

"It pains me to see him sidelined because I know how professional he is and how much he wants to help us on the pitch. I know he's the one who's hurting the most, but the damage his injury has done to the team is significant."