Arsenal star Martin Zubimendi explains key reason why he rejected Liverpool transfer

Spain star Martin Zubimendi rejected a transfer to Liverpool last summer before being convinced by Mikel Arteta to swap Real Sociedad for Arsenal this time around

Martin Zubimendi says he rejected a move to Liverpool because it wasn’t the right time and thinks he’s found the perfect coach for him in Mikel Arteta. Zubimendi joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad this summer in a £55million deal, having turned down a similar transfer to Merseyside 12 months earlier.

Liverpool thought they had beaten off the competition to land the Spain international, only to be told he had decided to stay with Real Sociedad. Zubimendi has previously explained his “selfish” decision, saying he doesn’t “believe in ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunities” and that there was no need to rush his move to the Premier League.

Speaking to reporters on Arsenal’s pre-season tour in Singapore, Zubimendi is confident he made the right call. “It wasn’t an easy time,” he said, reflecting on last summer. “I wanted to stay at La Real, but when offers come in, you start thinking about your options.

“The first question I had to answer was whether I wanted to leave – and it wasn’t the right time. I felt La Real offered me more opportunities and that I still had a lot to learn, so staying was the best decision.”

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Arteta spoke on the phone with Zubimendi, who like him, comes from San Sebastian in Spain’s Basque country, and they hit it off. Having signed Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad the previous year, the Gunners were confident that his old midfielder partner would follow suit.

“I think it was a really well-orchestrated plan by the club, and everybody that was involved in it, to understand how we could get what we wanted in two different years, and both at the same time,” said Arteta.

“And both players were very keen to come, which is very necessary. I think we had a club in Real Sociedad that understood the situation, and they’ve been excellent. We did what we wanted and the players did what we wanted. I think Real Sociedad at the end were happy with the outcome, so I think it’s a very positive outcome for all parties.”

Had things gone differently Zubimendi could be playing under Arne Slot at Liverpool, but he is delighted to be working with Arteta. “I don’t know what he saw in me, but I saw him as one of the top coaches in Europe,” he said.

“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.”

Arteta has made it clear that Zubimendi will play as a No.6 at the base of his midfield. And the 26-year-old added: “I think I’m going to try to do things I didn’t do before. Playing in that position, I’ll try to bring balance and provide that passing outlet that I’m known for. Beyond that, I’m sure he’ll ask me to do new things.”

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