Zubimendi Reveals Why He Snubbed Liverpool for Arsenal Move

• Martín Zubimendi says timing wasn’t right to leave Real Sociedad for Liverpool in 2024.
• He credits Mikel Arteta’s coaching as a major factor in choosing Arsenal this summer.
• The midfielder hopes to be a key difference-maker in Arsenal’s pursuit of silverware.

Martín Zubimendi has opened up on why he rejected Liverpool last year and how a conversation with Mikel Arteta helped convince him to join Arsenal instead. The Spain international midfielder completed a £51 million ($67m) move from Real Sociedad earlier this month, joining fellow countryman Mikel Merino in a high-profile summer switch to north London.

Liverpool were in advanced talks with Real Sociedad over a deal for Zubimendi in 2024, but the 26-year-old ultimately chose to stay put. Speaking during Arsenal’s pre-season tour in Singapore, he explained why the timing wasn’t right.

“It wasn’t an easy time for me because I wanted to stay at Real, but when offers come in, you start thinking about your options,” Zubimendi said. “The first question I had to answer was whether I wanted to leave Real, and it wasn’t the right time. I felt that Real offered me more opportunities and that I still had a lot to learn, so staying at Real was the best decision for me.”

Arsenal returned a year later and won the race for his signature, with manager Mikel Arteta playing a crucial role in sealing the deal.

“I don’t know what he [Arteta] saw in me, but I saw him as one of the top coaches in Europe,” Zubimendi added. “At the end of the day, I wanted a quality coach when I left Real Sociedad. I think I’ve found him. In the few days I’ve been here, I’ve seen how meticulous he is about every aspect of the game, so I think he’s the one.”

The Gunners have gone four seasons without a trophy, most recently coming up short in the Champions League semifinals against eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain. Zubimendi believes the difference between winning and losing at the highest level often comes down to the finest of margins.

“Ultimately, I believe that football comes down to details, especially in the Champions League,” he said. “I feel that Arsenal were the only team who truly stood up to PSG, and they let it slip because of minor details. It’s a long season, and injuries play an important role, so the fewer we have, the better.”

Asked whether he could be the player to help Arsenal take the final step, Zubimendi replied with cautious optimism.

“I hope so. The most important thing about this club is that they learn from previous seasons. I think the lessons they’ve learned from how last season ended will be key to getting even closer to this year’s targets.”