“Im focused on staying” – Bayern Munich’s Javi Martinez distances himself from Arsenal

Bayern Munich’s Spanish midfielder Javier Martinez reacts during the German first division Bundesliga football match FC Schalke 04 vs FC Bayern Munich

Arsenal’s summer dealings have been put back a stage after Bayern Munich midfielder Javi Martinez confirmed he will not be leaving the German giants in the summer.

The irregularity of Martinez’s appearances for Bayern was believed to have put Arsene Wenger on red alert but any potential deal has now been scuppered.

In an interview with German paper Bild Martinez said “I am just focused on staying on [at Bayern Munich].”

One of the reasons for the rumours surrounding his future had been the fact that Martinez had failed to nail down a consistent starting position in Pep Guardiola’s team. The former Barcelona boss has used his compatriot at centre-back, defensive midfield and attacking midfielder so far this season.

However Martinez believes that his manager was satisfied with his input saying, “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.”

The news that he will stay with Bayern Munich represents a blow to Arsenal, with Mikel Arteta now 32 they had been looking for a replacement to play in the defensive midfield role. Many Arsenal fans had already taken to twitter to express their approval for the Bayern man.