Martin Zubimendi explains why he joined Arsenal after rejecting Liverpool a year earlier

In a candid revelation, Arsenal’s new midfield orchestrator Martín Zubimendi has explained the reasoning behind his decisive summer transfer, detailing why a call from Mikel Arteta proved irresistible a year after he turned down a move to Liverpool.

Why Zubimendi Waited: The Story Behind His Arsenal Transfer

The Spanish international, who joined the Gunners from Real Sociedad in a £55 million deal, acknowledged that Liverpool had met his release clause in the summer of 2024.

At that time, however, he experienced a change of heart, choosing to remain with his hometown club.

“When any proposal comes, the first question has to be whether to stay at la Real,” Zubimendi told The Guardian.

“And it wasn’t the right moment [to go]”.

He described the following season as “hard” but one where he “learned a lot,” ultimately feeling ready to “step forward” a year later.

Zubimendi highlighted two key factors that swayed his decision toward North London: an admiration for Arsenal from afar and a persuasive conversation with manager Mikel Arteta.

“I had watched Arsenal and I liked everything I saw, in terms of passion, youth, the feeling you got watching them,” he shared.

“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 has quickly justified the club’s investment, making a seamless transition into the Premier League.

He made his debut in a 1-0 win over Manchester United and announced his arrival in September with a brace in a 3-0 victory against Nottingham Forest.

His spectacular volley from that match won the Premier League Goal of the Month award, and his overall performances earned him a nomination for Player of the Month.

The 26-year-old midfielder appears to have found the perfect environment for growth, leaving his comfort zone in Spain to test himself in English football.

With Zubimendi already becoming a key figure in Arsenal’s strong start to the season, his decision to choose Arteta’s project appears to be paying immediate dividends for both player and club.