In a move that sent ripples through the football world, Martin Zubimendi, the highly coveted midfielder from Real Sociedad, made the stunning decision to join Arsenal in the summer of 2025, just a year after turning down a move to Liverpool. The 26-year-old Spaniard has now opened up about the reasons behind his choice, shedding light on why he rejected the Reds and embraced the Gunners as his destined stage.
Zubimendi’s journey to Arsenal was not without its twists. In the summer of 2024, Liverpool came knocking, eager to secure the services of the talented midfielder who had long been a cornerstone of Real Sociedad, the club where he honed his craft. However, Zubimendi opted to stay, citing that it “wasn’t the right moment” to leave his boyhood club, as he explained in an interview with The Guardian. Reflecting on that decision, he noted, “I stayed and it was a hard season, but I learned a lot.” That challenging season at Sociedad only strengthened his resolve and prepared him for the next chapter in his career.
Fast forward to 2025, and Zubimendi’s perspective shifted dramatically. Arsenal, under the guidance of Mikel Arteta, emerged as the club that captured his imagination. “I had watched Arsenal and I liked everything I saw, in terms of passion, youth, the feeling you got watching them,” Zubimendi revealed. The vibrancy and ambition of Arsenal’s project resonated deeply with him. But it was a personal touch from Arteta himself that sealed the deal. “When Mikel Arteta called me … Well, if you’ve ever spoken to him you’ll know that he can be very convincing,” Zubimendi admitted. “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.”
Arteta’s meticulous approach and clear vision for Zubimendi’s role in the team were decisive factors. The Spaniard’s obsession with detail and his ability to articulate a compelling plan for the midfielder made Arsenal an irresistible destination. It was a stark contrast to the opportunity presented by Liverpool a year earlier, and Zubimendi’s choice to join Arsenal has proven to be a masterstroke.
Since arriving in north London, Zubimendi has hit the ground running. His impact has been immediate and undeniable, with the midfielder starting all but one of Arsenal’s eight matches in the Premier League and Champions League during the early stages of the 2025-26 season. In the one game he didn’t start, he came off the bench for an hour and delivered an influential performance, showcasing his versatility and importance to the squad.
Zubimendi’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. In September 2025, he was nominated for the Premier League’s Player of the Month award and the PFA’s Fans’ Player of the Month award, a testament to his seamless integration into the team. His crowning moment came with a stunning volleyed goal against Nottingham Forest, which earned him the Premier League Goal of the Month award. The strike was a perfect encapsulation of his technical brilliance and composure under pressure.
Arsenal, buoyed by Zubimendi’s arrival, have started the season in scintillating form. They currently sit atop the Premier League table and have secured two wins from two matches in the Champions League. Zubimendi’s presence in the midfield has provided the perfect blend of defensive solidity and creative flair, making him a linchpin in Arteta’s system.
The decision to choose Arsenal over Liverpool was not just a career move for Zubimendi—it was a declaration of intent. By aligning himself with Arteta’s vision and Arsenal’s upward trajectory, he has positioned himself as a key figure in a team poised for greatness. For Zubimendi, north London is not just a destination; it’s the stage where he intends to shine.