The 27-year-old, signed from Real Sociedad for around £60 million last summer, admits he has not enjoyed as much playing time recently.…....
Despite being an important addition to Arsenal’s midfield options, he has started only one of the club’s last four Premier League matches and also saw limited minutes in the Champions League semi-final second leg.
This reduced involvement has led to speculation about his role in Arteta’s final plans for the European showpiece.
Zubimendi, however, insists he remains ready and motivated to contribute. He stated that while he always sees himself as a starter, selection decisions ultimately rest with the manager.
He acknowledged the physical and mental demands of a long season but said he now feels fully fit and prepared to perform if called upon in Budapest.
The midfielder also expressed confidence in Arsenal’s ability to compete at the highest level. He highlighted the confidence gained from winning the Premier League title, suggesting it has given the squad additional belief heading into the final.
According to him, Arsenal’s success this season has helped break a long-standing drought and strengthened the team’s mentality going into major matches.
Discussing tactics and mentality, Zubimendi emphasized “confidence, composure, and normalising the situation” as key factors for success against PSG.
He stressed that Arsenal must focus on their own strengths rather than the opposition’s reputation once on the pitch.
He also praised Arteta’s leadership, noting that while trophies enhance a manager’s reputation, the Spaniard was already highly regarded in football circles.
Zubimendi added that Arsenal’s biggest strength lies in their defensive organisation, which has been a major factor in their successful campaign.
Overall, the message from Zubimendi reflects both personal ambition and collective belief: he wants a chance to contribute on the biggest stage, while also backing Arsenal to overcome PSG and potentially secure a historic first Champions League title.
