Martin Zubimendi has finally opened up about the story behind his headline-making transfer from Real Sociedad to Arsenal last summer. The Spanish midfielder revealed that a single phone call from Mikel Arteta completely changed the course of his career and convinced him to begin a new chapter in London.
Arsenal spent a reported £51 million to secure the services of the 26-year-old midfielder, a move that initially sparked debate among fans and pundits. Many questioned whether the player — who had previously turned down a lucrative offer from Liverpool in the summer of 2024 — was truly ready for Premier League football.
Now, just a few months later, the decision looks nothing short of inspired. Zubimendi has quickly become one of the key figures in Arteta’s midfield, helping the Gunners climb to the top of the Premier League table after seven matches and adding balance, composure, and intelligence to their play.
The Story Behind the Transfer
In an exclusive interview with The Guardian, Zubimendi shared that his move away from Real Sociedad was not a hasty decision. Leaving his boyhood club — where he had grown from academy prospect to captain material — was something he had always approached with deep thought and emotion.
“Every time an offer came in, I would ask myself, is this the right time to leave La Real?” he admitted.
“And for years, the answer was always no. But after last season — a year full of growth and lessons — I realized I was finally ready to test myself at a higher level.”
The midfielder had been one of the standout performers in La Liga, known for his tactical intelligence and calmness under pressure. Still, it wasn’t until Arteta personally reached out that Zubimendi truly considered making the leap.
The Arteta Effect
According to Zubimendi, Mikel Arteta’s passion and precision in outlining his vision for Arsenal played a decisive role in the move.
“I’ve admired Arsenal for a long time — the energy, the youth, the attacking style. But when Mikel called me, it was different,” Zubimendi recalled.
“He spoke about football in a way that made me see things from a new perspective. He’s incredibly detailed, he knows exactly what he wants, and he makes you believe in his project.”
Arteta reportedly presented Zubimendi with an in-depth breakdown of how he would fit into Arsenal’s tactical system — emphasizing his role in controlling the tempo, initiating attacks, and bringing stability to midfield transitions.
That personal touch sealed the deal. “After that conversation,” Zubimendi said, “I just knew. This was the right club for me.”
Making His Mark in the Premier League
Since arriving in North London, Zubimendi has wasted no time adapting to English football. In his first nine appearances across all competitions, he has helped Arsenal to seven wins, one draw, and only one defeat — while earning praise for his work rate, vision, and positional discipline.
One of his standout performances came in the 3–0 victory over Nottingham Forest, where he not only controlled the midfield but also scored twice, showcasing his growing confidence in front of goal.
His form has carried over to the international stage as well. Zubimendi recently featured for Spain’s national team, playing 81 minutes in a solid 2–0 win over Georgia. With his international duties now complete, he has returned to London Colney to prepare for Arsenal’s upcoming clash against Fulham — where he’s expected to start once again.
A Player Built for Arsenal’s Future
More than just a signing, Martin Zubimendi represents what Arsenal’s modern identity under Mikel Arteta stands for — technical excellence, tactical intelligence, and an unrelenting hunger to grow.
While the headlines once focused on his decision to reject Liverpool, it’s now clear that his move to Arsenal wasn’t driven by money or trophies. It was about belief — in Arteta’s vision, in Arsenal’s project, and in his own potential to thrive on one of football’s biggest stages.
“I’m proud of the decision I made,” Zubimendi concluded. “This is only the beginning. I came here to help Arsenal reach the top — and I believe we’re on the right path.”
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