Jamie Carragher thinks he knows how Arsenal managed to beat Liverpool to one statement signing.
Though Liverpool’s transfer business this summer has been impressive, so has Arsenal’s.
The reigning champions bolstered their ranks quite significantly by adding Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Hugo Ekitike and Milos Kerkez, but Arne Slot was unable to secure one transfer.
Last summer, the Dutchman wanted to bring Martin Zubimendi to Anfield, something that was expected to happen but didn’t, due to the player’s preference.
Jamie Carragher predicts Mikel Arteta’s role in Martin Zubimendi’s transfer
Zubimendi snubbed Liverpool and a year later, made his way to the Premier League to sign for Arsenal.
It was a blow for the Reds, particularly now having to see the £51m midfielder as part of Mikel Arteta’s project.
Zubimendi was eager to join Arsenal, making the tough decision to leave his boyhood club for the Emirates, with one factor suspected to have won the Spaniard over.
As per the opinion of Jamie Carragher, who spoke about the transfer on The Overlap, it was Arteta who made Zubimendi’s mind up to make his way to N5 over Liverpool.
“When he agreed to come to Liverpool, he said he was coming, and at the last minute, he said, I don’t want to come. I want to have another year here.”
Carragher went on to share his view that Arteta ‘stopped the deal’ from happening.
“Mikel Arteta is from the Basque area. There’s no doubt he’s been into him and said, we’re signing him this season. We’ll come for you next season. The deal was done about half a year ago.
“He definitely stopped the deal. That’s why Zubimendi didn’t go to Liverpool because I think Arteta got into him. Listen, that’s just management.”
It’s a speculative claim from Carragher, as Zubimendi maintained that he pulled the plug on a move to Anfield due to it simply being the wrong time in his career.
The Spaniard made his decision clear and remained at Sociedad, something Arsenal fans are delighted about.
Zubimendi could show Liverpool what they’re missing
Arsenal supporters are already charmed by Zubimendi, who has shown his quality over pre-season.
Despite it being so soon into his Arsenal career, it’s so clear how the Spain international will strengthen Arteta’s midfield, coming at a time of stark change in the position.
The outgoings of two free agents freed up space for a rebuild in the engine room, with Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard representing the new foundations.
Given how impressive Zubimendi was last season in Spain, and has been early into his time at Arsenal, Liverpool might just be kicking themselves watching the £51m midfielder in action.
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