Martin Zubimendi has played down rumours linking with a move to Manchester City, having already turned down the opportunity to move to England with Liverpool.
Recent reports have suggested that Zubimendi is a target for City as they consider options for replacing Rodri, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season with an ACL injury.
Zubimendi was seemingly on the verge of joining Liverpool in the summer, with the Reds believing they had been told the midfielder was willing to leave Real Sociedad, but the 25-year-old ultimately decided to stay at his boyhood club.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Spain’s Nations League clash with Denmark this weekend, Zubimendi was asked about the latest speculation over his future.
"So far I have thought that the best thing was to be at my club,” Zubimendi said.
“I am looking for my personal growth and I still have a lot to give to Real."
While he may not be a replacement for Rodri at club level, Zubimendi is in line to play that role for the national team, with Spain also now having to cope without a key influence in midfield.
The Euro 2024 champions have four more Nations League fixtures this year, while Rodri will also miss the start of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
“I don’t want to anticipate anything,” Zubimendi said of the prospect of stepping up for his country.
“The manager decides. There are two of us for that position. It’s a shame that it’s due to injury and even more so when he’s a vital player for this team.
“An opportunity has opened up and we will have to take advantage of it.”
