Zubimendi Reveals 3 Reasons He Snubbed Liverpool for Arsenal

Spanish midfielder Martín Zubimendi has opened up on the thought process behind his decision to reject Liverpool in favour of a high-profile move to Arsenal, shedding light on what ultimately convinced him to swap Real Sociedad for the Premier League giants.

The 25-year-old, a product of Real Sociedad’s academy, made the switch to North London during the summer for a reported €70 million, ending months of speculation surrounding his future. Zubimendi had been on the radar of several top clubs, with Liverpool making a serious approach in the previous summer, only for the Spaniard to turn them down.

Speaking to The Guardian, Zubimendi explained that timing, loyalty to his boyhood club, and the allure of working under Mikel Arteta played defining roles in his choice.

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“When any offer comes in, the first question is always whether I should stay at Real Sociedad,” he said. “It wasn’t the right time to leave. I stayed, and it was a tough season, but I learned a lot. I wanted to take a step forward, to shoulder that responsibility after others — like Le Normand and Merino — had departed.”

Zubimendi admitted that while the opportunity to join Liverpool was tempting, he felt a sense of unfinished business in San Sebastián. He wanted to develop further as a leader within the team before considering a move abroad.

His stance, however, evolved this year. Arsenal’s consistency in the Premier League, their dynamic playing style, and the personal touch from Mikel Arteta proved decisive.

“I had been watching Arsenal and I liked everything I saw — the passion, the youthfulness, the feeling you get watching them,” Zubimendi explained. “And when Mikel Arteta called me... well, if you’ve spoken with him, you know he can be very persuasive.”

The Spanish international praised Arteta’s meticulous nature and tactical obsession, noting how it resonated deeply with his own footballing philosophy.

“He’s obsessed with football, obsessed with having everything under control, trying to exploit every tiny detail,” Zubimendi said. “He’s incredibly clear about everything, and the proposal he made to me was the best one for my career.”

Zubimendi’s arrival has been viewed as a statement signing for Arsenal, who continue to strengthen their midfield with intelligent, technical players suited to Arteta’s system.