Martin Zubimendi reveals why he really chose Arsenal move after Liverpool snub

Spain international Martin Zubimendi has discussed his summer transfer to Arsenal and why he chose the Gunners a year after turning down a move to Liverpool despite his release clause being met

Martin Zubimendi has revealed that Mikel Arteta proved very convincing in his decision to join Arsenal, with the Spanish coach offering the midfield maestro the best proposal at a time where he was deciding his future.

Zubimendi joined Arsenal in a £55million deal this past summer with the north London outfit paying a figure higher than his £51m release clause in order to secure more favourable payment terms with Real Sociedad. The 26-year-old went on to agree a five-year deal with the Gunners - just 12 months after snubbing a move to Liverpool.

It initially appeared that the Spain international would complete a move to Anfield back in 2024 as the Reds triggered Zubimendi’s release clause. However, a late change of heart saw Zubimendi pull out of the deal to stay with his hometown club, with Mikel Merino instead departing for Arsenal.

A year later and the chance to reunite with Merino in the Premier League at Arsenal proved too persuasive turn down, Zubimendi admits. “When any proposal comes, the first question has to be whether to stay at la Real,” he told the Guardian. “And it wasn’t the right moment [to go].

“I stayed and it was a hard season but I learned a lot. I wanted to step forward, take that weight after others went.”

After stressing that he was happy with how everything has worked out, Zubimendi continued: “I had watched Arsenal and I liked everything I saw, in terms of passion, youth, the feeling you got watching them. And when Mikel Arteta called me…

“Well, if you’ve ever spoken to him you’ll know that he can be very convincing. He’s mad about football, crazy about having everything under control, trying to get something from every little detail. He’s very clear on everything and the proposal he had was the best for me.”

Zubimendi believes he needs to adapt to the Premier League, but improving his abilities was a key factor in his decision to move to the division. The Basque-born star reckons he is up to the task. “The pivot has to be someone who is very complete; he has to have the best qualities with the ball and without it, plus the physical capability. He has to be able to do everything,” he added.

“It completes you [to move]. It would be easy to stay in my comfort zone. But I wanted to leave that environment where I was with Real Sociedad and grow in a personal sense, to see another culture, another football. The more you come out of that, the more you develop.

“It’s in those situations where you are pushed to the limit that you get the best out of yourself. I think I have a lot to learn in the Premier League, a lot to improve, but I think I can do that.”