Arsenal struck gold by signing Martin Zubimendi in the summer transfer window, but there was a point when the move looked to be in jeopardy.
Zubimendi has been one of the best signings in the Premier League following the 2025 summer transfer window.
Arsenal captured the 26-year-old from Real Sociedad for a fee of £51m, a figure that is already looking to be a bargain.
Behind the scenes, Arsenal’s hierarchy are overjoyed about Zubimendi’s move and how quickly the midfielder has adapted, which might have several other clubs watching on with envy.
Martin Zubimendi dissects Real Madrid and Arsenal transfer saga
Zubimendi rejected Liverpool one year before making the move to Arsenal, opting to stay at Sociedad when Arne Slot called.
There was a moment in this year’s summer transfer window that Arsenal thought they might suffer the same fate as Liverpool, as Real Madrid showed interest in Zubimendi.
The Spaniard, fortunately, made the move to the Emirates amid Madrid’s desperation to land him, something Zubimendi has now lifted the lid on.
Ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League meeting with Atletico Madrid, the ex-La Liga star sat down with AS for an interview, where he was asked about Real Madrid links.
“I can’t talk about other teams. Arsenal was the one I had decided on, and I went all in,” Zubimendi stated when the discussion began.
Reporters then asked the 26-year-old whether there was any ‘last-minute indecision’ when Real Madrid were lurking.
“No, no,” Zubimendi viantly responded.
Journalists weren’t done with picking the Arsenal man’s brain over the transfer situation, then describing Zubimendi as the ‘missing piece for Xabi Alonso’.
“Ugh… I don’t know, I don’t know,” Zubimendi replied.
“We’re talking about very big clubs. To say that Madrid was missing a piece like me is saying something because all the players they have are spectacular.”
The midfielder compared the situation to Arsenal.
“At Arsenal, it’s more of the same. The one who was here in my position, for me, is also one of the best in his position. More than anything, the club decided it needed a change, and that’s what I’m working on, trying to improve the team.”
Zubimendi was Mikel Arteta’s perfect signing
If there was one thing that Mikel Arteta needed Andrea Berta to get right in the summer transfer window, it was the changes to the midfield.
Losing Jorginho and also a regular starter as free agents meant that the Arsenal squad needed a complete rebuild in that position.
Fortunately, such was achieved by the two signings of Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard, a firm starter to complement Declan Rice and a rotation player to replenish the experience lost through Jorginho’s departure.
Zubimendi has taken no time at all to show that he was the perfect hire for the Gunners, who struck gold by winning the race for one of Europe’s best in the role.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
