Mikel Arteta says Martin Zubimendi remains an important part of Arsenal's plans, despite the midfielder's limited starts this season. Bongda24h reported that the manager wants the Spain international to be ready when opportunities arrive amid strong competition in central midfield.
The report lists Declan Rice, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Mikel Merino and Bruno Guimaraes among Arsenal's options. It says Zubimendi's starts up to that point had come in the Carabao Cup, where Arsenal were eliminated by Fleetwood in the preceding round.
Competition and fitness
According to Bongda24h, Arteta referred to ankle and nose problems as setbacks for Zubimendi. The manager praised his commitment and desire while stressing that players need to perform when selected. His comments describe the current competition for places rather than a confirmed change in the squad.
Arsenal had won eight of their first nine Premier League matches in the report's snapshot, including a victory at Anfield. They had also taken 10 points from four matches in Europe. Those figures explain the wider team context at publication; they do not establish who will start the next game.
What happens next
Bongda24h discussed possible interest from Chelsea and a potential January move for a midfielder. The article did not establish a confirmed bid or agreement for Zubimendi. Arteta's stated position was that the former Real Sociedad player remains important to Arsenal.
The practical question is how the manager distributes minutes in the competitions still open to his team. With Arsenal already out of the Carabao Cup, future appearances depend on selection decisions in those remaining fixtures. There is no guarantee of a starting place, but the manager's comments leave Zubimendi within his plans.