Zubimendi Explains Liverpool Rejection
Martin Zubimendi’s rise at Arsenal has sparked fresh debate around Liverpool’s midfield rebuild. The Spaniard has been instrumental since his £60 million arrival at the Emirates, anchoring Mikel Arteta’s side with intelligence and calm authority. Yet, only a year earlier, he was close to heading to Anfield.
Liverpool had agreed a £52 million deal with Real Sociedad and Zubimendi had even given his word. Instead, he stayed in San Sebastián for one final season before choosing Arsenal. Speaking to The Guardian, he said, “When any proposal comes, the first question has to be whether to stay at la Real. And it wasn’t the right moment. I stayed and it was a hard season but I learned a lot.”
He added, “I wanted to step forward, take that weight after others went. I’ve always tried to choose the right time and I’m happy with how it happened in the end.”
Arsenal Project Wins the Battle
What swung the decision was Arteta’s pull. “I had watched Arsenal and I liked everything I saw, in terms of passion, youth, the feeling you got watching them. And when Mikel Arteta called me, well, if you’ve ever spoken to him you’ll know that he can be very convincing.”
Arteta’s attention to detail clearly made its mark. “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.”
That clarity has paid off on the pitch. Zubimendi has already featured regularly, allowing Declan Rice to push further forward while offering positional discipline in key battles. Arsenal have leapfrogged Liverpool in the Premier League table after capitalising on the Reds’ defeat by Chelsea.
Liverpool’s Response
Liverpool moved on quickly, moulding Ryan Gravenberch into a holding midfielder and still winning the Premier League title without Zubimendi. They shifted funds to this summer instead, securing Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak and Milos Kerkez to bolster an already successful squad.
Despite turning down one of Europe’s most prestigious clubs, Zubimendi insists there are no regrets. “My philosophy is to do at home at all times what comes from within,” he told Noticias De Gipuzkoa. “I went through uncomfortable moments. The best thing for me was to stay here and I am happy and at peace. Because of the press there is a lot of noise but in the end everything is easer than all that.”
Asked again if he questioned the decision, his stance was unwavering. “Of course I don’t regret it, I can’t think that after four or five games at the start of the season. I made my decision from within, I thought it was the best thing to do, the results don’t affect me.”
Title Race Subplot
This season has added extra spice to the rivalry between Arsenal and Liverpool. One club secured glory without him, the other landed the player and built their title challenge around his presence. If Zubimendi ends the campaign lifting the Premier League trophy, his choice will look prophetic.
