Mikel Arteta handed transfer boost as player commits to Arsenal

• 

• Arsenal
• Arsenal Transfer News
• Arsenal transfer news

The midfielder has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, but has brushed off a question over his future.

Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi has committed his future to Arsenal, saying that the links with Real Madrid have ‘passed’. The comments will be a boost to Mikel Arteta ahead of the summer transfer window.

Before joining Arsenal back in the summer, Zubimendi was heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid. After missing out on the midfielder, the Spanish giants opted against signing an alternative option, leaving the position available.

But it seems that Zubimendi won’t be open to a move from the Emirates Stadium. The 27-year-old played a big part in Arsenal’s 1-0 aggregate win over Sporting in the Champions League quarter-final.

FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

Speaking to Cadena Ser Radio after the game he said: “That has passed. I'm very focused and very happy where I am. It's not a bad thing [to be linked to Real Madrid]

“When I decided to come here it was to live nights like this one and the ones that are to come. There's only a few weeks left and every game is going to be do or die, so I'm preparing for the next one."

It’s not the first time that Zubimendia has brushed off talk of a potential move to Real Madrid. He gave a similar answer back in February when asked about the club.

For Zubimendi and his teammates, eyes now turn to the crucial Premier League clash against Manchester City. The Gunners travel to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon with six points between the two sides.

The gap was closed last week following Arsenal’s loss against Bournemouth and City’s win over Chelsea.

"The last few weeks have been strange but at the beginning of the season we would have signed to be in this position,” Zubimend said.

“We still have things to improve. We need more clarity in the last third. Luckily, this team defends well and we are solid."

He added: "Every game is going to be a final. It's true that they are going through a very good spell.

“But our team has proved that when we fall we can stand up. We have that group unity that gives us that calmness to know that we will respond."