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The Spanish midfielder reveals what tipped the scales as he made the jump from Real Sociedad to the Premier League
Martin Zubimendi has opened up about why he passed on a move to Liverpool, despite giving the club his word, and waited a year before joining Arsenal instead.
The 26-year-old midfielder joined the Gunners this summer in a £60 million deal from Real Sociedad. Since arriving in North London, he’s become a core part of Mikel Arteta’s side, helping them rise to the top of the Premier League table.
Zubimendi has already featured in nine matches, missing only three full games and consistently playing 90 minutes when called upon. His presence in the midfield has allowed Declan Rice to push further forward, adding extra bite to Arsenal’s attack.
But his journey could have looked very different.
The Liverpool Deal That Never Happened
Last summer, Liverpool had agreed a £52 million fee with Real Sociedad for Zubimendi. The player had reportedly given his verbal agreement too — until he changed his mind.
Instead of heading to Anfield, Zubimendi stayed in Spain for one more season. Speaking to The Guardian, he explained the choice was about timing, not about snubbing Liverpool.
“When any proposal comes, the first question has to be whether to stay at La Real,” he said. “And it wasn’t the right moment. I stayed and it was a hard season but I learned a lot.”
He added that he wanted to take responsibility at Sociedad after several senior players left and that it felt right to wait.
Arteta’s Role in the Decision
A key factor in Zubimendi’s eventual decision to join Arsenal was a call from Mikel Arteta.
“I had watched Arsenal and I liked everything I saw — the passion, the youth, the feeling you got watching them,” he said. “When Mikel Arteta called me — well, if you’ve ever spoken to him, you’ll know he can be very convincing.”
He described Arteta as “mad about football” and obsessed with detail, which made the Arsenal offer the best fit for him professionally.
Liverpool’s Plan B Paid Off
While Liverpool missed out on Zubimendi, they regrouped quickly. The club repurposed Ryan Gravenberch into a holding role and went on to win the Premier League without adding a traditional No.6.
They also saved their funds for a busy transfer window this past summer, landing big names like Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, and Milos Kerkez.
Even with the Reds finding success, Zubimendi stood by his decision.
“Of course I don’t regret it,” he told Noticias De Gipuzkoa last year. “I made my decision from within. The results don’t affect me.”
What’s in It for the Average Arsenal Fan?
For Gunners supporters — especially those placing a bet or two — Zubimendi’s arrival has been a game-changer. With him anchoring the midfield, Arsenal look more balanced and resilient. That added stability could be the difference in tight title races or high-stakes matches.
His partnership with Rice offers a midfield duo capable of shutting down counterattacks and driving the team forward — the kind of edge that sharp bettors look for in big matchups.
Arsenal Looking Ahead
Zubimendi is now eyeing silverware. Arsenal recently jumped ahead of Liverpool in the standings after the Reds dropped points to Chelsea, and momentum is swinging in North London’s favor.
If Zubimendi’s decision was ever questioned, his performances this season are making it clear — both for Arsenal fans and punters — that patience paid off.
