Martin Zubimendi believes he has found the right coach in Mikel Arteta after swapping Real Sociedad for Arsenal. Appearing on course to head to Liverpool 12 months ago before opting to stay in San Sebastian, the Spain international was then heavily linked with a transfer to Real Madrid.
However, it was Arsenal who won the race for his signature at the start of July after completing a deal that had been in the works for many months. Arsenal had looked to sign Zubimendi with Mikel Merino in the summer of 2024,.
Amid all the links with Liverpool, Real Madrid and Arsenal, it was not the easiest of periods for Zubimendi
“It wasn’t an easy time for me because, I wanted to stay at Real, but when offers come in, you start thinking about your options,” said Zubimendi when speaking at the launch of Arsenal’s brand new adidas away kit at the NOVA Rooftop in Singapore.
“The first question I had to answer was whether I wanted to leave Real, and it wasn’t the right time. I felt that Real offered me more opportunities and that I still had a lot to learn, so staying at Real was the best decision for me.”
So how exactly did Arteta convince Zubimendi to move to the Emirates Stadium?
“I don’t know what he saw in me, but I saw him as one of the top coaches in Europe,” revealed the midfielder. “At the end of the day, 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.”
He added: “Like I said, Arteta is the kind of coach who expects a lot from his midfielders. I think I’m going to try to do things I didn’t do before.
“Playing in that position, I’ll try to bring balance and provide that passing outlet that I’m known for. Beyond that, I’m sure he’ll ask me to do new things.”
Story by Filian K
