Arteta Unveils Arsenal's Master Plan That Snatched Zubimendi from Liverpool's Grasp
Arsenal established the groundwork for securing Martín Zubimendi this summer a full year in advance, successfully outmaneuvering Liverpool to capture the Spanish midfielder through what Mikel Arteta proudly described as a "masterfully coordinated strategy".
Liverpool had reportedly activated Zubimendi's reasonable £60 million ($81.3 million) buyout clause in 2024 but faced rejection from the player himself. During that identical summer window, Arsenal secured his Real Sociedad colleague Mikel Merino and, as has now come to light, paved the way for Zubimendi's eventual transfer.
"I believe it represented a masterfully coordinated strategy by the club and everyone who participated in it, to comprehend how we could achieve our objectives across two separate years, securing both simultaneously," Arteta expressed enthusiastically to gathered journalists before Arsenal's pre-season Asian tour.
"Both players demonstrated genuine eagerness to join us, which proves absolutely essential," the Gunners manager emphasized. "We had a club in Real Sociedad that grasped the circumstances, and they've been outstanding. We accomplished our goals and the players fulfilled their desires. Real Sociedad ultimately felt satisfied with the result, making it a tremendously positive conclusion for everyone involved."
Liverpool managed quite well despite missing out on Zubimendi, securing the Premier League title with a 10-point margin over Arsenal as Ryan Gravenberch excelled in the defensive midfield role.
Zubimendi shared his perspective on the situation. "The initial question I needed to address was whether I desired to depart Real [in 2024], and the timing wasn't appropriate," the 26-year-old explained. "I believed that Real provided me with greater opportunities and that I still had significant learning ahead, making staying at Real the optimal choice for me."
Similar to how Arne Slot's conversation with Florian Wirtz proved crucial for his Liverpool transfer, Arteta's persuasion was vital for Zubimendi. "I'm uncertain what qualities he recognized in me, but I viewed him as among Europe's elite managers. Ultimately, I sought a top-quality coach when departing Real Sociedad.
"I believe I've discovered him. During my initial days here, I've witnessed his attention to detail regarding every game aspect, confirming he's the right choice."
Throughout the year-long gap between their respective transfers, Merino and Zubimendi featured together 11 times for Spain's national squad and advanced to two major tournament finals. However, they never discussed the possibility of reuniting at club level.
"We were competing for significant achievements," Merino explained simply. "Last season proved extremely challenging for me personally and he remained completely focused at Sociedad. Even during national team duty we avoided that topic.
"I suppose I concentrated solely on my own situation. I would inquire about his progress at Sociedad, but we never discussed our respective futures."