Martín Zubimendi says he didn’t need much convincing to swap Real Sociedad for Arsenal this summer — and admits the timing was key after rejecting Liverpool just a year ago. The Spain international, born in San Sebastian and a product of La Real’s academy, made the move to the Emirates on 6 July in a deal that reunited him with former teammates Martin Ødegaard and Mikel Merino.
The 26-year-old revealed to DAZN España that while last summer wasn’t the right time to leave, this year “felt like my time had come.” Now, he’s preparing for the demands of Mikel Arteta’s meticulous style — and the chance to form a midfield partnership he believes “sounds fantastic.”
Could Zubimendi be the final piece in Arsenal’s midfield puzzle as they push for the Premier League title?
Why He Turned Down Liverpool
Zubimendi confirmed that Liverpool’s interest last summer was genuine but said he still had “steps to take” at Real Sociedad. The decision to wait was about finishing his chapter in La Liga on his own terms before making the leap to England.
The Arteta Factor
The Spaniard says his decision to join Arsenal wasn’t driven by persuasion from Mikel Arteta — but rather by what he had already seen on the pitch.
“Once the signing was close, we talked, but he [Arteta] didn’t need to convince me. I already knew what I wanted by seeing how the team played.” — Martín Zubimendi
Zubimendi also outlined how Arteta’s mentality will shape his time at Arsenal. “Dropping points is not allowed here. He’s very detail-oriented, obsessed with taking advantage of every play. He’ll certainly ask a lot of things of me.”
Dream Midfield Reunion
The move to the Emirates reunites Zubimendi with Ødegaard and Merino — a combination he’s eager to rekindle alongside Declan Rice.
“That midfield with Ødegaard, Merino, Rice… sounds fantastic. What could go wrong?” — Martín Zubimendi
Martín Zubimendi — 2024/25 Season Stats (Real Sociedad, La Liga)
| Stat (2024/25) | Martín Zubimendi |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 34 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 4 |
| Pass Accuracy | 90% |
Zubimendi’s high pass accuracy and defensive reliability made him a standout in La Liga last season, contributing both defensively and in build-up phases.
Analyst Verdict
Zubimendi’s patience in making the move to England may pay off. He arrives at Arsenal in his prime, with Champions League experience and the confidence of being a regular for Spain.
From a tactical perspective, his positional discipline, ball retention, and intelligence without the ball make him a natural fit for Arteta’s structured midfield. The added familiarity of Ødegaard and Merino could accelerate his adaptation to Premier League demands.
Key Insights
- Zubimendi joined Arsenal on 6 July after rejecting Liverpool in 2024.
- Says Arteta didn’t need to convince him — style of play sold the move.
- Keen to reunite with Ødegaard and Merino alongside Rice.
- Brings high pass accuracy (90%) and La Liga pedigree.
- Sees move as perfect timing in his career progression.
What’s Next
Zubimendi is expected to slot straight into Arsenal’s midfield rotation as Arteta seeks to manage depth across Premier League and Champions League campaigns. Early fixtures will test his ability to handle the league’s physical tempo, but his technical qualities should shine in Arsenal’s possession-heavy approach.
If his integration is seamless, Zubimendi could be one of the signings that tips Arsenal’s title challenge from hopeful to genuine.
Will Zubimendi help Arsenal finally get over the line in the Premier League — or will the adaptation period slow his impact?
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