Martin Zubimendi has explained why he signed for Arsenal just under a year after rejecting a move to Liverpool. The 26-year-old officially joined the Gunners over the weekend.
The Spain international heads to the Emirates Stadium for about £60 million, signing a five-year contract in the process. Zubimendi, the Euro 2024 winner, appeared to be Arne Slot’s first signing at Anfield last summer before changing his mind.
The Reds had planned a move for the Spain international as they sought to strengthen their defensive midfield. Liverpool had received definitive confirmation that Zubimendi wished to leave Real Sociedad, spurring their pursuit of the Euro 2024 champion.
However, the midfielder stayed at the Anoeta Stadium after being pressured by his boyhood club not to go.
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But he has now revealed why, less than a year later, he chose to leave his boyhood club and join Arsenal.
“This is a huge moment in my career,” he told reporters. “This is the move I was seeking for and wanted to make. As soon as you step foot here, you realize how large this club and team are.
“I chose Arsenal because their style of play appeals to me. “They have recently demonstrated their potential, and the best is yet to come.”
Arsenal, who finished 10 points behind Liverpool in the Premier League last season, are also said to be close to signing Christian Norgaard and Viktor Gyokeres.
“We welcome Martin and his family to our club. We’re looking forward to seeing him settle in with his teammates and playing in an Arsenal shirt.”
Mikel Arteta added: “Martin is a player who will offer a lot of skill and football intelligence to our team. He will fit in incredibly well and he has all the attributes to be a vital player for us.
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