In a transfer saga that has left football fans reeling, Martin Zubimendi, the highly coveted former Real Sociedad midfielder, has revealed the reasons behind his surprising decision to reject Liverpool in favor of a move to Arsenal. The 26-year-old Spaniard, who was heavily pursued by Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes in 2024, opted to stay with La Real last year but has now joined the Gunners in a blockbuster move aimed at ending Arsenal’s Premier League title drought.
Zubimendi’s decision to snub Liverpool, a club with a storied history and a passionate fanbase, came as a shock to many. Speaking to The Athletic, Zubimendi opened up about the emotional turmoil he faced when Liverpool first approached him last summer. “It wasn’t an easy time,” he admitted. “I wanted to stay at 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 time. I felt La Real offered me more opportunities and that I still had a lot to learn, so staying was the best decision.”
At the time, Liverpool, under new manager Arne Slot, were keen to bolster their midfield with a top-class number six. Despite their interest, Zubimendi chose to remain in Spain, allowing Ryan Gravenberch to step up as an elite alternative in the holding midfield role. Gravenberch’s stellar performances last season ensured Liverpool didn’t miss out, but the Reds’ interest in Zubimendi lingered.
Fast forward to 2025, and Zubimendi’s stance shifted. Arsenal, led by their charismatic manager Mikel Arteta, swooped in to secure the midfielder’s signature. Arteta, a former Real Sociedad player who hails from the same region as Zubimendi, played a pivotal role in convincing the Spaniard to join the North London club. “I don’t know what he saw in me, but I saw him as one of the top coaches in Europe,” Zubimendi explained. “I wanted a quality coach when I left Real Sociedad. I think I’ve found him. In the few days I’ve been here, I’ve seen how meticulous he is about every aspect of the game, so I think he’s the one.”
The move to Arsenal marks a significant coup for the Gunners, who are determined to challenge for the Premier League title after years of near misses. Zubimendi’s composure, vision, and ability to dictate play from deep are expected to complement Arsenal’s dynamic squad as they aim to overtake rivals like Liverpool and Manchester City.
For Liverpool, the rejection stings but hasn’t derailed their plans. The Reds have been active in the transfer market this summer, bringing in attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz and revamping their full-back and attacking options. Gravenberch’s continued excellence in midfield has reduced the urgency to sign a new number six, allowing Slot to focus on other areas of the squad. Wirtz, a marquee signing, is set to make his first public appearance for Liverpool in a friendly against AC Milan in Hong Kong this weekend, followed by a clash with Yokohama Marinos in Japan.
As the new Premier League season looms, the early fixtures promise fireworks. Liverpool kick off their campaign at home against Bournemouth on August 15, followed by a trip to Newcastle United’s St James’ Park. The Reds then host Arsenal in a blockbuster early-season encounter that could set the tone for the title race. Zubimendi, now donning Arsenal’s colors, will face the club he rejected in what is sure to be a highly charged atmosphere at Anfield.
Zubimendi’s decision to choose Arsenal over Liverpool has added a new layer of intrigue to an already fierce rivalry. As the Spaniard settles into life in North London, all eyes will be on whether he can live up to the hype and help Arsenal achieve their long-awaited Premier League glory. For Liverpool fans, the sting of rejection will only fuel their desire to prove Zubimendi made the wrong call.