Spain -star Martin Zubimendi rejected a transfer to Liverpool last summer before he was convinced by Mikel Arteta to exchange Real Sociedad for Arsenal this time
Martin Zubimendi says he rejected a move to Liverpool because it was not the right time and thinks he found the perfect coach for him in Mikel Arteta. Zubimendi came to Arsenal from Real Sociedad this summer in a £ 55 million deal, after he had rejected a similar transfer 12 months earlier as Merseyside.
Liverpool thought they had defeated the competition to land the Spain International, but was told that he had decided to stay with Real Sociedad. Zubimendi has previously explained his' selfish 'decision and says that he cannot' believe in 'one -off opportunities' and that it was not necessary to bridge his move to the Premier League.
Subimendi spoke with reporters during the pre-season tour of Arsenal in Singapore, that he is sure that he made the right call. “It was not an easy time,” he said, thoughtful about last summer. “I wanted to stay with La Real, but when offers come in, you start thinking about your options.
“The first question I had to answer was whether I wanted to leave – and it wasn't the right moment. I felt that La Real offered me more opportunities and that I still had a lot to learn, so staying was the best decision.”
Arteta spoke on the phone with Zubimendi, who likes him, comes from San Sebastian in the Basque Country of Spain, and they touch it. After signing Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad in the previous year, the Gunners were convinced that his old midfielder partner would follow the example.
“I think it was a really good -oriented plan by the club, and everyone who was involved, to understand how we could get what we wanted in two different years, and both at the same time,” said Arteta.
“And both players really wanted to come, which is very necessary. I think we had a club in Real Sociedad who understood the situation, and they were excellent. We did what we wanted and the players did what we wanted. I think Real Sociedad was happy with the outcome at the end, so I think it is a very positive result for all parties.”
If it had disappeared differently, Zubimendi could play under Arne Slot in Liverpool, but he is pleased to work with Arteta. “I don't know what he saw in me, but I saw him as one of the best coaches in Europe,” he said.
“At the end of the day I wanted a quality coach when I really left Sociedad. I think I found it. In the few days that I have been here, I have seen how meticulous he is over every aspect of the game, so I think he is the one.”
Arteta has made it clear that Zubimendi will play as a number 6 at the basis of his midfield. And the 26-year-old added: “I think I will try to do things that I have not done before. Playing in that position, I will try to bring balance and offer that passing outlet I am known for. I am sure he will ask me to do new things.”