Martin Zubimendi sets record straight on failed Liverpool transfer before Arsenal move

Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi has revealed that Mikel Arteta played a pivotal role in convincing him to sign for the club, with the Spanish manager presenting the most compelling proposition during a crucial period in the midfielder's career.

The Gunners secured Zubimendi's signature for £55million during the summer transfer window, paying above his £51million release clause to negotiate more favourable payment terms with Real Sociedad.

The 26 year old subsequently penned a five-year contract with Arsenal - merely 12 months after rejecting a switch to Liverpool.

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It had initially seemed that the Spain international was destined for Anfield back in 2024 when the Reds made a bid to activate his release clause.

Yet a dramatic late U-turn saw Zubimendi withdraw from the transfer to remain with Real Sociedad. His midfield partner Mikel Merino did, however, complete a move to the Premier League that summer, joining Arsenal.

Twelve months on and the opportunity to link up with Merino in the Premier League at the Emirates Stadium proved impossible to reject, Zubimendi acknowledges.

"When any proposal comes, the first question has to be whether to stay at la Real," he told the Guardian. "And it wasn't the right moment [to go].

"I stayed and it was a hard season but I learned a lot. I wanted to step forward, take that weight after others went."

Having emphasised his satisfaction with how matters have transpired, Zubimendi added: "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. 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."

Zubimendi believes he needs to adapt to the Premier League, but improving his abilities was a key factor in his decision to move make the move. The Basque-born star reckons he is up to the task.

"The pivot has to be someone who is very complete; he has to have the best qualities with the ball and without it, plus the physical capability. He has to be able to do everything," he added.

"It completes you [to move]. It would be easy to stay in my comfort zone. But I wanted to leave that environment where I was with Real Sociedad and grow in a personal sense, to see another culture, another football. The more you come out of that, the more you develop.

"It's in those situations where you are pushed to the limit that you get the best out of yourself. I think I have a lot to learn in the Premier League, a lot to improve, but I think I can do that."