Zubimendi dismisses exit talk as Arsenal target £100m-rated Alex Scott to replace him

Martin Zubimendi has moved to silence speculation over his Arsenal future, stating he has not “wasted any energy” on exit rumours linking him with Atletico Madrid and Chelsea — even as the Gunners are reportedly lining up Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott as a potential long-term successor.

The Spanish midfielder joined Arsenal last summer from Real Sociedad in a £60m deal, but has since seen his opportunities diminish. Myles Lewis-Skelly started ahead of him in the Champions League final, and the summer arrival of Bruno Guimaraes has further squeezed his path into the starting XI.

“I haven’t wasted any energy on outside things,” Zubimendi said. “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.”

The 25-year-old also expressed mild frustration at the volume of speculation. “To be honest, I’m sometimes surprised by the press too,” he added. “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

Despite Zubimendi’s public commitment, Arsenal have reportedly rekindled their pursuit of Bournemouth’s Alex Scott. The 23-year-old carries a £100m price tag, and Arsenal are understood to be prepared to compete with Chelsea and Liverpool for his signature.

Bournemouth had previously rebuffed Arsenal’s interest in the summer, insisting Scott was not for sale. That position has since shifted after Scott turned down a contract extension offer from the Cherries, with the club now willing to entertain bids. Scott, who joined Bournemouth from Bristol City, scored against Arsenal at the Emirates last season and has continued to develop into one of the Premier League’s most coveted young midfielders.

KMI panel rules Liverpool should have had penalty in Arsenal win

Separately, an independent Key Match Incidents panel has determined that Liverpool should have been awarded a penalty during Arsenal’s recent 1-0 victory at Anfield. The panel voted 4-1 that referee Andy Madley should have penalised Jurrien Timber for pulling Alexander Isak’s shirt, and 3-2 that VAR Stuart Attwell should have directed Madley to the pitchside monitor on the grounds that it constituted a clear and obvious error. The ruling carries no retroactive consequences for the result.