Martin Zubimendi revealed that he turned down an opportunity to join Liverpool last summer, stating it wasn’t the right moment to leave Real Sociedad. He expressed his ambition to become a key player for Arsenal, who recently secured his services in a £51 million deal.
Liverpool had been in discussions with Sociedad regarding Zubimendi, but the Spanish international opted to remain at his former club for another season, allowing Arsenal to win the race for his signature.
During his first comments on Arsenal’s preseason tour in Singapore, Zubimendi said:
“The first question I had to answer was whether it was the right time to leave Real Sociedad. I felt there was still so much to learn and staying was the best decision for me,” Zubimendi explained.
“I don’t know what Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta saw in me, but I consider him one of the best managers in Europe. Ultimately, I wanted a top-quality coach when I left Real Sociedad.”
“I think I have found that here, and in my few days so far, I’ve noticed how detail-oriented he is about all aspects of the game.”
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Arsenal has not claimed silverware since their 2020 FA Cup triumph and faced a narrow defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-finals last season.
“In the end, I believe that football comes down to the details, especially in the Champions League,” Zubimendi noted. “I feel that Arsenal was the only team that truly challenged PSG, and it came down to fine margins. It’s a long season, and injuries will be crucial, so we need to stay fit.”
When asked if he could be a game-changer, Zubimendi responded, “I hope so. The key for this club is to learn from past experiences. I believe that the lessons learned from last season will be vital in achieving our goals this year.”
This news is significant for soccer fans as it highlights Arsenal’s efforts to bolster their squad with players like Zubimendi, who aims to make a lasting impact. His potential to enhance the team’s performance could spell a more competitive Premier League landscape and improve Arsenal’s chances in both domestic and European competitions.
