Arsenal would have watched Liverpool’s opening Premier League encounter with some intrigue.
After missing out on the Premier League title to Arne Slot’s side by ten points last season, the Gunners know they need to close that gap this time around.
Liverpool were their usual exuberant selves going forward, however, the Reds looked vulnerable at the back and Mikel Arteta would have been encouraged by those early frailties.
In truth, it looked like Liverpool were missing a player of Martin Zubimendi’s talents and Arsenal’s new signing has already embarrassed Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher over his latest comments.
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Martin Zubimendi said Mikel Arteta wasn’t the main reason he joined Arsenal
Carragher believes Arteta was the reason Zubimendi signed for Arsenal after the Spanish midfielder rejected a move to Liverpool last summer.
The pundit claimed that Zubimendi had ‘agreed’ to go to Anfield before changing his mind at the last minute and Carragher is convinced Arteta was the reason for his change of heart.
However, as per DAZN, Zubimendi claimed that he needed no convincing to make the move to the Emirates Stadium.
Zubimendi stated: “I didn’t need Mikel Arteta to convince me to come, I already knew what I wanted seeing how the team played.”
During the same interview, the 26-year-old also states how he is looking forward to playing with former teammates Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino again this season.
Zubimendi has also been impressed by Declan Rice and the two have shown signs in pre-season of striking up a formidable partnership in the centre of the park.
What Mikel Arteta has said about Martin Zubimendi
Upon arriving in North London, Arteta told Arsenal’s official website how he was looking forward to Zubimendi’s ‘intelligence’ being brought to his side.
Arteta stated: “Martin is a player who will bring a huge amount of quality and football intelligence to our team. He will fit in really well and he has all the attributes to be a key player for us.
“The standard he has consistently performed at over the last few seasons for both club and country is exactly why we are so excited to have him with us. We all welcome Martin and his family to the club.”
The midfielder is expected to make his full competitive debut as the Gunners travel to Old Trafford for their Premier League opener.
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