For the past year, many have asked: what made Martín Zubimendi reject Liverpool? Camel Live can now reveal the reason.
Just as Zubimendi was seriously considering Liverpool's offer, he received another proposition: from Arsenal. Spanish sources indicate that Arsenal made it clear last summer they wanted to sign two Real Sociedad midfielders. The north London side aimed to bring in Mikel Merino immediately and pursue Zubimendi a year later, in the summer of 2025.
This created an unusual scenario—effectively an ambitious package deal to secure two top Spanish internationals at a cost exceeding £80 million (Merino was valued at around £30 million, Zubimendi over £50 million). Orchestrated by Edu and Jason Aitón (Arsenal's sporting director and assistant sporting director at the time), the pursuit of Zubimendi proved a remarkable victory in relationship-building and long-term planning.
The top midfielder was prised from Premier League rivals through a deal nearly a year in the making. Financially, the prolonged pursuit allowed Arsenal to structure the transfer more favorably than triggering the 26-year-old's release clause with a lump sum.
Arsenal executives might one day claim the transfer was never in doubt after convincing Zubimendi to wait, but the deal wasn't truly sealed until March. In fact, at mid-season, their carefully crafted plan faced threats—such as Rodri's serious knee injury sparking expectations Pep Guardiola would sign Zubimendi in January, or whispers that Zubimendi's idol Xabi Alonso (former Real Sociedad B manager) might be appointed by Real Madrid and target the Spaniard. Neither Real Sociedad nor Zubimendi could easily rebuff such a proposal.
But Arsenal acted with such decisiveness and speed that they maintained control. First under Edu until his November departure, then under Aitón, who oversaw recruitment. Relations between Arsenal, Real Sociedad, and the player remained steadfast.
Though announced on Sunday, the transfer was finalized months earlier—before new sporting director Andrea Berta arrived. Thus, when Real Madrid approached in June, the north Londoners had no qualms. The deal was done.
The prospect of working with Mikel Arteta was another pivotal factor. The pair not only hail from the same city but played for the same amateur club as children: Antiguoko. Club sources say they formed an instant rapport.
Zubimendi's game is built on astute movement and thinking one step ahead—no surprise he's also a skilled chess player. As a child, he won the Under-12 chess championship of Gipuzkoa province in Spain.
