Martin Zubimendi
Image credit: Getty Images
Martin Zubimendi has opened up about the reasoning behind his decision to join Arsenal ahead of European giants Real Madrid and Liverpool, revealing that his connection with Mikel Arteta was key to the move.
The Spanish midfielder completed a £60 million transfer from Real Sociedad during the summer and has quickly established himself as a crucial figure in Arsenal’s midfield. Since arriving at the Emirates, Zubimendi has featured in all eight of the Gunners’ Premier League matches, playing an integral role in their surge to the top of the table.
The 26-year-old was on Liverpool’s radar as early as the summer of 2024 and came close to joining the Premier League champions. However, he ultimately chose to remain at his boyhood club, Real Sociedad, for one final season before making the leap to England.
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta names most surprising Arsenal summer signing
When Real Madrid later made an approach, Zubimendi had already made up his mind that Arsenal was the right fit. Speaking to AS, the Euro 2024 winner explained that the decision came down to instinct and belief in Arteta’s project.
Arsenal - Martin Zubimendi
Martin Zubimendi (Image credit: Getty Images)
“I don’t know, you get a feeling,” Zubimendi said. “Once I decided to leave Sociedad, Arsenal was a team that, from what I’d seen, suited me well, especially in terms of play.
“I also wanted a very detail-oriented manager, and in Mikel, as soon as I spoke to him, I found him. At Arsenal there was a very young team, with a lot of passion, very close-knit, eager to win, and even though they haven’t been able to do so, that makes them even more eager.”
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE NOW ARSENAL WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
Zubimendi was also asked whether it was difficult to turn down Real Madrid, especially after the club appointed former Spain international Xabi Alonso as their new head coach. His response made it clear that his mind was already made up.
“I can’t talk about other teams,” he said. “Arsenal was the one I had decided on, and I went all in.”
Spanish media have since suggested that Real Madrid could use a player of Zubimendi’s calibre to strengthen their midfield. The Arsenal star, however, was humble when asked whether Madrid were missing someone like him.
“I don’t know, I don’t know. We’re talking about very big clubs,” he replied. “To say that Real Madrid was missing a piece like me is saying something because all the players they have are spectacular.”
NEXT ARTICLE: Arsenal star named in matchday squad against Atletico after injury lay-off