Martin Zubimendi has insisted that the transfer speculation surrounding his Arsenal future is not affecting him, even as reports link him with a move away from the Emirates. The Spaniard has seen his playing time reduce this season, prompting rumours of interest from Atletico Madrid and Chelsea.
Zubimendi joined Arsenal last summer from Real Sociedad for £60 million, a long-standing target for manager Mikel Arteta. However, he has since fallen down the pecking order, with Myles Lewis-Skelly starting the Champions League final ahead of him and the summer signing of Bruno Guimaraes further limiting his opportunities.
Zubimendi responds to speculation
Addressing the rumours, Zubimendi said: "I haven't wasted any energy on outside thing. 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 added: "To be honest, I'm sometimes surprised by the press too. 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."
Arsenal revive interest in Alex Scott
Arsenal have reportedly revived their interest in Bournemouth's Alex Scott, who retains a £100 million price tag. The i paper understands the Gunners are willing to compete with Chelsea and Liverpool for the 23-year-old.
Scott scored for Bournemouth in their statement win at the Emirates last season and has continued to develop since joining from Bristol City. Arsenal were keen on Scott in the summer, but Bournemouth made it clear he was not for sale. That stance has changed, and the club are now willing to listen to offers after Scott turned down a contract offer.
Panel rules on penalty incident
An independent panel has ruled that Liverpool should have been awarded a penalty when Jurrien Timber pulled Alexander Isak's shirt in Arsenal's recent 1-0 victory at Anfield. The Key Match Incidents (KMI) panel voted 4:1 that referee Andy Madley should have awarded Liverpool a spot kick.
The panel also voted 3:2 that VAR Stuart Attwell should have intervened and sent Madley to the pitchside monitor, judging it a clear and obvious error.
