“I almost joined Liverpool but what Arteta told me through phone call made me changed my mind”: Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi reveals the special message from Mikel Arteta that made him chose Arsenal over Liverpool transfer
Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi has explained why he rejected a move to Liverpool in 2024 before eventually completing a £55m ($67m) transfer to the Emirates Stadium this summer.
The Spain international was strongly linked with Anfield last year but chose to remain at Real Sociedad, where he had come through the youth system.
Zubimendi, who has made nine appearances for the Gunners and scored twice, admits he had a dilemma on his hands over the summer transfer window.
“When any proposal comes, the first question has to be whether to stay at la Real,” Zubimendi told The Guardian.
“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. But I’ve always tried to choose the right time and I’m happy with how it happened in the end.”
Zubimendi said he had admired Arsenal from afar before manager Mikel Arteta persuaded him to move to north London.
“I had watched Arsenal and I liked everything I saw, in terms of passion, youth, the feeling you got watching them,” he said.
“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.”
The 26-year-old has settled quickly at Arsenal, forming a midfield partnership with England international Declan Rice in the opening months of the Premier League season.
He also revealed that his initiation ritual at the club was more daunting than any challenge on the pitch.
“The worst thing in football,” Zubimendi said.
“I had to sing: I did La Bachata, by Manuel Turizo. Horrible, horrible.”
Zubimendi is currently away with Spain for World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Bulgaria, alongside Arsenal team-mate David Raya and former Sociedad colleague Mikel Merino.
Raya recently described Zubimendi as having “the best first touch” in the current national team.
