Refusing to a club capable of winning a better title is Liverpool to Arsenal, Martin Zubimendi clearly surprised many people. So what is the real reason behind?
During the break in the middle of the Euro finals last year with England, coach Luis de La Fuente of Spain gave a simple message for the students. “Be yourself,” he said in the speech recorded by Amazon documentaries. “We have to keep calm. Relax. Just play our way.”
Among all the Spanish players, perhaps Martin Zubimendi is the one with the most worried reason. He sat on the substation in most tournaments, only played a total of 95 minutes before the final, and is now launched to replace Rodri in the center of the midfield – the most important moment in his career.
But in the end, Zubimendi himself was the best to show the coach's message. The Basque player kept his calm as told, and kept “doing his things”. What happened later was a high -class performance: smart launch passes, accurate ball switches, and extremely effective match regulation – great contribution to help Spain defeat him with a score of 2-1 in Berlin.
That performance was a clear evidence that Zubimendi was fully enough to play at the highest level, under the greatest pressure. Liverpool witnessed and quickly acted. A few weeks after the final in Germany, it seemed that Zubimendi would definitely leave Real Sociedad to dock Anfield in a deal worth about £ 50 million.
But as soon as the transfer seemed to be about to complete, Zubimendi suddenly retreated – made Liverpool extremely disappointed. “I considered the benefits and harm, and concluded that the best option was to stay,” he shared later. “There are many reasons for this decision, but I have been selfish and think about myself.”
The question of the whole year is: What remains Zubimendi reject Liverpool? The answer is: At the same time Zubimendi considered the invitation from Liverpool, he also received another chance – Arsenal.
According to sources from Spain, Arsenal soon clarified with Sociedad intending to recruit their two midfielders. The North London team wants Mikel Merino to join immediately, and Zubimendi will come after a year, in the summer of 2025.
This is a bold plan: almost a “double transfer package” worth more than £ 80 million (Merino is about 30 million, Zubimendi is over 50 million). The deal was led by Edu Gaspar and Jason Ayto, then a sports director and vice director of Arsenal sports. This plan shows the ability to build a remarkable long -term relationship and strategy of the Gunners.
Financially, the early agreement allows Arsenal to restructure the deal more, instead of paying the entire Zubimendi contract release fee.
Why did Sociedad agree that such an “unusual” deal? Mostly because they do not want to lose both Merino and Zubimendi at the same time in the summer – what will force the team to rebuild all the midfield.
With Zubimendi, staying in San Sebastian for another year is also a reasonable choice. He had a stable time after the Euro, and avoided the instability from the change of coach in Liverpool, when Arne Slot had just taken over from Jurgen Klopp. At that time, the transfer between two lives was still a big question mark.
On the Arsenal side, they did not need a new defensive midfielder last year. With Jorginho, Thomas Partey and Declan Rice, Arteta has enough quality and depth. But they knew Jorginho and Partey were all out of contracts by 2025, so the addition of forces to the future is essential.
Arsenal leaders may someday announce that the deal has never been threatened, but in fact it till in March, the agreement is actually “closed”. There were times in the season that made this plan almost broken.
For example, Rodri's serious knee injury on Man City side makes many people think that Pep Guardiola can target Zubimendi in January. In addition, the feeling of anxiety is always present when the former teacher and the idol of Zubimendi – Xabi Alonso – are contacted to lead Real Madrid. If Los Blancos said, it would be difficult for Sociedad and Zubimendi to refuse.
But Arsenal acted early and decisively, keeping the initiative. Initially led by Edu (before he left Arsenal in November), then Jason Ayto took over the recruitment activities. The relationship between Arsenal – Sociedad – the player is always strong.
The deal was officially announced today (July 6), but the reality was completed many months ago, before the new sports director Andrea Berta took office. When Real Madrid tried to drag Zubimendi in June, Arsenal did not worry because the deal was completed.
The relationship between Zubimendi and Arteta also plays a big role. Both came from San Sebastián city, and both played for Antiguoko amateur club as young. According to internal sources, they have “connected” right from the first conversation.
Zubimendi's gameplay is based on the ability to move intelligently and thinking a step ahead of the opponent. It was not surprising that he was also a good chess player – who won the U12 chess champion of Gipuzkoa province as a child.
The immediate challenge of Zubimendi is to adapt to the new club, the new environment, the new tournament. The 26 -year -old midfielder should continue to show his technical and brave ability in the Euro final with him. And the most important – proving that it is worthy of Arsenal's investment, along with the recruitment campaign that lasted a year, brought him to the land of fog.
The word confession personally miserable
Sharing the reason for Arsenal, Zubimendi said: “I have targeted Arsenal as soon as I decided to leave, because I think their style of play is very suitable for me. This is a young team, full of desire and ambitious. (Arteta) Take care of me very enthusiastically, making me absolutely no doubt. This is a big milestone in my career.
