Why Martin Zubimendi chose Arsenal over Real Madrid and Liverpool

Turning point: “I only wanted Arsenal”

Martin Zubimendi spoke after completing his move to Arsenal this summer: “The moment I decided to leave, there was only one club in my mind: Arsenal. Their playing style suits me perfectly. This is the right time and the right place for me.”

Why he turned down Liverpool

Zubimendi actually held talks with Liverpool back in the summer of 2023. However, those discussions ended quickly. According to The Guardian and AS, Zubimendi turned down Liverpool’s offer at the time due to personal reasons. “Staying in San Sebastián was a better decision for my development,” he had said.

Real Madrid interest and Alonso factor

Things changed this summer. Both Arsenal and Real Madrid showed serious interest. The Spanish press frequently reported on Madrid’s pursuit. Marca’s 28 November 2024 article stated that Zubimendi had been on Madrid’s radar for a long time and that Xabi Alonso’s arrival made him a priority target.

Trust from Arteta and Berta proved decisive

Despite all these factors, Zubimendi had already made up his mind. “Arteta and Andrea Berta showed very clear interest from the beginning. They were attentive to every detail and made me feel genuinely valued. It’s the kind of clarity that leaves no room for hesitation.”

Arsenal’s squad and future vision appealed to him

Beyond playing style, the team’s chemistry was also a major draw. “They have a young, motivated and ambitious squad. They’ve shown how much potential they have in recent seasons, but I believe the team still has much more to achieve.”

Tactical profile and value within Arsenal’s system

Zubimendi made 48 appearances in all competitions last season, contributing 2 goals and 2 assists. While not a goal threat, he plays a pivotal role in tactical organisation. He is key in building play from the back, connecting passes from defence, and maintaining structure. With high composure under pressure and smart decision-making, he offers confidence in deep positions. His passing quality is elite – not risky, but forward-thinking, balancing tempo and control with maturity. He’s the kind of central midfielder who values efficiency over flair, keeping the system running and understanding his role clearly.

In a league as demanding as the Premier League, players like him are essential to maintaining control and consistency. Considering Arteta’s emphasis on passing links and game-controlling midfielders, this profile could be not just supplementary but a stabilising core of the team’s structure. Zubimendi could become a backbone in rotation during demanding stretches of the season, calming transitions and dictating the game’s tempo when needed. His presence would be a strategic asset as much as a tactical one within Arsenal’s deep squad.

Personal bond with Arteta: same city, similar paths

Zubimendi’s personal connection with manager Mikel Arteta also played a role. “We’re from the same city, and we have similar backgrounds. We’ll have plenty to talk about. These shared experiences off the pitch make settling in much easier.”

Reuniting with familiar faces

He’ll also be linking up with some familiar faces at Arsenal. Former teammates Martin Ødegaard and Mikel Merino, as well as fellow Spaniard goalkeeper David Raya, await him in the dressing room. “Having them around will make this transition feel more like home.”

Financial details: release clause activated

Looking at the financial side of the deal, according to Reuters on 6 July 2025, Arsenal activated the €60 million release clause in Zubimendi’s contract and completed the payment. With bonuses included, the total package is expected to reach approximately €70 million.

Zubimendi: “Right project, right time”

For Zubimendi, the amount was less important than joining the right footballing project. “It’s a step I’ve been building towards for a long time. I’m looking forward to embracing this new chapter,” he said.

This transfer marked Arsenal’s second major signing for the 2025–26 season. The club had earlier reached an agreement with goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga at the start of the summer window.