Martin Zubimendi was well aware of Arsenal’s interest when he turned down Liverpool’s bid to sign him last summer, according to a report.
Martin Zubimendi after signing for Arsenal (Photo via Arsenal on Instagram)
Photo via Arsenal on Instagram
The Athletic report that when Martin Zubimendi turned down Liverpool’s offer to sign him last summer, he was already well aware of Arsenal’s interest in him.
Liverpool had expressed a willingness to pay Zubimendi’s release clause with Real Sociedad, meaning that if the player had accepted, there would have been nothing his club could have done.
But Zubimendi decided he didn’t want to join Arne Slot’s side, and the move fell through.
martin zubimendi signs for Arsenal
Photo via Arsenal.com
In light of that saga, Arsenal reportedly reasoned that their best bet of convincing Zubimendi to join was to negotiate a transfer with Real Sociedad directly, rather than using the release clause. It seemed clear that Zubimendi would only agree to go with his club’s blessing.
The Athletic report that Arsenal thus began transfer talks last summer, running all the way through to early 2025, when Real Sociedad officials travelled to London to complete the agreement.
Though current sporting director Andrea Berta was pictured alongside Zubimendi in his signing photos, it was Edu Gaspar and Jason Ayto who did almost all of the negotiating before their respective departures.
Martin Zubimendi signing his Arsenal contract alongside sporting director Andrea Berta (Photo via Arsenal on Instagram)
Photo via Arsenal on Instagram
Whether you interpret the reports as Zubimendi rejecting Liverpool for Arsenal or as Arsenal learning from Liverpool’s mistakes, the result is the same.
One year on from Liverpool’s failed attempt to bring in the Spanish midfielder, Arsenal have landed him on a long-term deal at a crucial time. The Gunners needed a top addition at the base of their midfield, and Zubimendi should provide it.
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