Martín Zubimendi says he only had Arsenal in mind amid claims of Real Madrid’s interest.
The Spain international arrived at the north London club from Real Sociedad in July and has been a regular for the Gunners this season.
Prior to his move to Arsenal, claims from Spain had reported of Real Madrid wanting the midfielder. This was mainly because of their new manager, Xabi Alonso, who previously managed him at La Real’s academy.
Arsenal host Atlético Madrid in the Champions League later today. Tuesday’s edition of [AS](https://as.com/) have published an interview with the 26-year-old, where he explains his decision to join the Gunners.
The newspaper points out to Zubimendi that he had other options, including Real Madrid, before opting for Arsenal. The Spaniard explains Mikel Arteta’s tactics and the English club’s failure to win silverware in recent years convinced him to pick them.
_“I don’t know, you feel that way. Once I decided to leave Real Sociedad, Arsenal was a team that, from what I’d seen, suited me well, especially in terms of play_. _I also wanted a very detail-oriented manager, and in Arteta, as soon as I spoke to him, I found him,”_ he said.
_“There was a very young team \[at Arsenal\], with a lot of passion, very close-knit, eager to win, and even if they haven’t been able to do so, that makes you want it even more.”_
AS asked whether Alonso’s arrival at Real Madrid made him ‘think even more’. Zubimendi explained: _“I can’t talk about other teams. Arsenal was the one I’d decided on, and I went all out for it.”_
The midfielder says there was no hesitation over joining the Premier League club.
Over the past few seasons, Arsenal have ended up falling short in the title race. They are currently leading the table.
When Zubimendi was asked whether there’s pressure to win the league, he added: _“I’m not really feeling it. No one here talks about obligations or having to earn anything. Rather than pressure, I see people with a lot of desire.”_