Martin Zubimendi has admitted he turned down a move to Liverpool in the summer of 2024, insisting the timing wasn't right — but says he’s now found the “perfect coach” in Mikel Arteta after joining Arsenal in a £55 million deal from Real Sociedad.
Speaking on the club's pre-season tour in Singapore, Zubimendi said the chance to reunite with former teammate Mikel Merino and play under Arteta's guidance was too good to turn down this time around.
Why Zubimendi Rejected Liverpool
Liverpool had been confident of landing the Spain international last summer, but the midfielder says he wasn’t ready to leave San Sebastian just yet.
“I wanted to stay at La Real… it wasn’t the right time,” Zubimendi told reporters. “I still had a lot to learn there.”
Zubimendi’s decision allowed Arsenal to put together a two-year plan — first signing Merino, and then following up with his former midfield partner.
“We did what we wanted — and the players did what we wanted.” — Mikel Arteta
What Attracted Zubimendi to Arsenal?
While Arne Slot was keen to bring him to Anfield this summer as well, the pull of Arteta — a fellow Basque from San Sebastián — proved decisive.
“I don’t know what he saw in me, but I saw him as one of the top coaches in Europe,” Zubimendi said. “He’s meticulous about every aspect of the game.”
The 26-year-old confirmed Arteta sees him as a deep-lying No.6 and wants him to bring composure, control, and progression from the base of midfield.
Martin Zubimendi – Stats 2024/25 (Real Sociedad)
| Stat (2024/25) | Zubimendi |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 42 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 6 |
| Pass Completion % | 89% |
| Ball Recoveries | 217 |
| Key Passes | 35 |
Analyst Verdict
Arsenal’s midfield was already packed with quality, but Zubimendi brings something different: poise under pressure, elite positioning, and a calm distributor in front of the back line.
The Gunners now have a true long-term solution in the No.6 role, and if he adapts quickly, he could form one of the league’s best pivots alongside Declan Rice.
Key Takeaways
- Zubimendi rejected Liverpool in 2024 due to timing
- Joined Arsenal this summer in £55m move from Real Sociedad
- Arteta personally convinced the Spain international
- Will play as a No.6 in Arsenal’s system
- Former teammate Mikel Merino also joined last summer
What’s Next?
Martin Zubimendi will feature in Arsenal’s ongoing pre-season tour in Singapore and Japan, where the Gunners face top opposition in preparation for the new campaign.
His Premier League debut could come on Opening Weekend, with Arsenal set to host Brighton on August 17. All eyes will be on how quickly he settles into Mikel Arteta’s midfield alongside Declan Rice.
Do you think Zubimendi made the right choice by snubbing Liverpool for Arsenal? How will he fit alongside Declan Rice in Arteta’s midfield?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 24 Jul 2025 08:46
Yeah the right coach, whatever mate! Slot has won the PL in his first season... You could have won one if you had...
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