Arsenal star Martin Zubimendi has dismissed suggestions he would have been ‘the missing piece of the puzzle’ at Real Madrid.

The Spain international is enjoying a perfect first season in the Premier League following his £60million summer move from Real Sociedad, playing a key role in the Gunners side battling on four fronts this season.

Zubimendi turned in another influential performance as Arsenal booked their place in the Carabao Cup final on Tuesday night with a 4-2 aggregate win over Chelsea.

Prior to his switch to north London, there was late interest from Real Madrid, driven by Xabi Alonso, who replaced Carlo Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabeu at the end of last season.

Alonso, who left his post as Real head coach in January, identified Zubimendi as a long-term replacement for Toni Kroos who retired from football the previous year.

Reports in Spain suggested Zubimendi would have considered the move but ultimately, Real left it too late with Arsenal finalising a deal to bring him to the Emirates.

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