Martín Zubimendi on limited playing time: We are one of europe's best teams with strong players

Martín Zubimendi has denied rumors that he is close to leaving Arsenal. The midfielder has not started a single Premier League game for Arsenal this season, having fallen behind Guimaraes and Lewis-Skelly in the pecking order.

Due to limited playing time, there was speculation that Martín Zubimendi was unhappy with the situation and looking for a way to leave Arsenal.

Atletico Madrid and other teams were reportedly monitoring his situation, and some reports in Spain even claimed that Martín Zubimendi was close to returning to his home country.

However, in an interview with Marca, he stated that this was "absolutely not" true.

"To be honest, the media sometimes surprises me," said Martín Zubimendi.

"I understand that with the winter transfer window approaching, rumors will appear, but I think we should be more cautious when publishing content.

"Ultimately, everyone has their own team, and we need to respect that. I've also seen claims that I might be leaving soon, but that's absolutely not the case.

"After a lot of news comes out, if it doesn't come true in the end, it seems to be quickly forgotten, and nothing happens. I am learning how this world works and slowly getting used to it, but sometimes because of this kind of news, I could have received a lot fewer messages."

When asked if he would at least stay until the summer, Martín Zubimendi added: "Yes, I hope so. I'm very happy there."

Martín Zubimendi started 33 of Arsenal's first 34 league games last season, making a big impact in his first season in England.

However, in the final weeks of the season, Lewis-Skelly earned Arteta's trust in midfield, and Martín Zubimendi consequently dropped out of the starting lineup.

This season, Guimaraes's £75 million arrival has made Martín Zubimendi's situation even more difficult, but the Espanyol player is not surprised by his lack of opportunities in the first few months of the season.

"I spoke with Mikel at the beginning of the season," said Arteta.

"He explained the plan to me, just like he did to all the players. He reminded me that new players would be joining, and everyone would get playing time. Now here we are, fighting for that.

When you have played a lot of minutes in the past, and your role changes to less playing time, I can also see the positive side.

"I understand this because, in my opinion, we are one of the top five teams in Europe. There are some very good players in the team. New players have arrived in my position, and there were already some very good players.

"I am also in this competition, so playing time has become so difficult to get."

In addition to not starting in the Premier League, Martín Zubimendi has only appeared twice in European competitions. One of those was an 8-minute substitute appearance against Napoli.

However, he insisted: "I am calm and happy with how I am handling this situation. This is something I have never experienced, and I think you can learn from these situations.

"Moreover, it is at such times that you need those around you the most, and they will be there to support you.

"I am very patient. When you have played a lot of minutes in the past, and your role changes to less playing time, I can also see the positive side.

"I believe everything will pass, just as the situation was the exact opposite last year, and I played almost every game, it will change quickly."