Arsenal’s plans to swoop for Bayern Munich star Javi Martinez are over after the midfield enforcer claimed he is staying with the German giants.
Martinez joined the Bavarian outfit for £25million from Athletic Bilbao in 2012, but despite being a key part of the treble-winning side under Jupp Heynckes, the anchorman has found himself sidelined this year by Pep Guardiola’s tiki-taka style of football.
The Spain international, who has made his country’s provisional 30-man World Cup Squad, has spent much of the season filling in at centre-back for Dante and Jerome Boateng, and was rumoured to be attracting interest from the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Arsenal were believed to be leading the race for the £30million-rated ankle-biter as they look to strengthen in the centre of the park, but Arsene Wenger will now be forced to look elsewhere after Martinez confirmed he has no desire to leave the Bundesliga champions.
He told Sport-BILD: “I am just focused on staying on [at Bayern Munich].
“I have read the newspapers saying Pep [Guardiola] is happy with my input. I believe the club is also delighted about my services.
“I have had great conversation with the authorities. We have never spoken about leaving the club. If the club is wanting me to stay on, I will stay on. And this is what I expect the club to be out for.”
Written by Steve Milne
