Zubimendi slams minutes at Arsenal, celebrates Spain spot in Prague
Martín Zubimendi, starter of Spain's 0‑2 loss to the Czech Republic in Prague, acknowledges that he has played less than 16 % of the possible minutes with Arsenal, which, according to him, complicates his continuity in the national team while he fights for more time in London.
This season, Mikel Arteta has given him less than 16 % of the possible minutes in Arsenal's matches. The midfielder notes that this limited involvement makes it difficult for him to stay in the national team's elite.
This week he denied any transfer to Atlético de Madrid, without mentioning Mikel Arteta. His stance reinforces his intention to keep fighting for a place at the London club.
Zubimendi himself admits that it is hard for him to reach the national team without minutes in London. He believes that the lack of playing time affects his international performance.
“It’s true that I’m not getting minutes and it’s not the ideal situation, but I believe I can turn it around,” the Donostia native said. With that sentence he underscored his optimism despite the limited performance.
He added that it is difficult to come to the national team with such demands without having played many minutes. He also pointed out the lack of “feeling” on the pitch as an obstacle.
At the end of September he accumulated five bench appearances in the Premier League with an average of 17 minutes per game. That reduced time left him behind Declan Rice and Myles Lewis‑Skelly in the midfield pivot.
Spain and England battle for group lead, Kane central
Mikel Arteta even tried him as a full‑back on some occasions. However, the lack of continuity prevented him from consolidating the position.
In Prague, Zubimendi was part of the starting eleven of a national team that has won its five Nations League matches. The team has amassed the full 15 points, demonstrating its dominance.
The midfield, world champion, arrives in London from Arsenal's bench. His international experience contrasts with his limited presence at the club.
Transfer rumors and future
Days earlier he had stated: “There have been things that weren’t true and I wanted to clarify them.” With that statement he sought to clear doubts about his situation.
He denied the rumors of a possible transfer to Atlético de Madrid in January as part of a swap with Julián Álvarez, calling it “not even close to the case.” He asserted that those reports had no basis.
Spain remains unbeaten and eyes the top spot in the Nations League
His circle had warned in September that he would not stay at Arsenal if in January he still lacked minutes. That warning underscores his desire to play regularly.
Upcoming challenges and schedule
Spain will contest the group lead against England on the final matchday. The result will be decisive in determining the final standing.
After that fixture, Zubimendi will return to a team where he barely plays. His limited involvement remains a critical point.
The winter transfer window opens in January and, until then, his stance remains that he believes he can turn it around. He will continue his fight for more minutes while his future is decided.