Martin Zubimendi explains why he joined Arsenal a year after rejecting Liverpool transfer

Martin Zubimendi explains why he joined Arsenal a year after rejecting Liverpool transfer

Arsenal completed the signing of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad over the weekend

New signing Martin Zubimendi with Arsenal Sporting Director Andrea Berta (Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images )

Martin Zubimendi has explained why he has signed for Arsenal just under a year after rejecting the opportunity to move to Liverpool. The 26-year-old officially became a Gunners player over the weekend.

The Spain international moves to the Emirates Stadium in a deal worth almost £60m, signing a five-year deal in the process. Euro 2024 winner Zubimendi had looked set to become Arne Slot's first Anfield recruit last summer before U-turning on his decision.

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The Reds had earmarked a move for the Spain international as they looked to bolster their defensive midfield options. Liverpool had been told unequivocally that Zubimendi wanted to leave Real Sociedad, prompting their pursuit of the Euro 2024 winner.

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However, the midfielder ended up staying at the Anoeta Stadium, having been placed under pressure from his boyhood club not to leave.

But he has now revealed why, less than a year on, he has opted to leave his boyhood club and move to Arsenal.

“This is a huge moment in my career,” he said. “It's the move I was looking for and one I wanted to make. As soon as you set foot here, you realise how big this club and this team are.

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“I set my sights on Arsenal because their style of play is a good fit for me. They have shown their potential recently and the best is yet to come.”

Arsenal, who finished 10 points behind Liverpool in the Premier League last season, are also believed to be closing in the on signings of Christian Norgaard and Viktor Gyokeres.

And sporting director Andrea Berta said: “We are so happy to bring Martin to Arsenal and have a lot of pride in finalising this transfer. Martin was a key target for us and we all know that he is a perfect fit for our squad with the high quality he has.

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“We welcome Martin and his family to the club. We look forward to him settling in with his teammates and are very excited to see him playing in an Arsenal shirt.”

While Mikel Arteta added: “Martin is a player who will bring a huge amount of quality and football intelligence to our team. He will fit in really well and he has all the attributes to be a key player for us.

“The standard he has consistently performed at over the last few seasons for both club and country is exactly why we are so excited to have him with us. We all welcome Martin and his family to the club.”

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