Martin Zubimendi has revealed that Mikel Arteta convinced him to sign for Arsenal instead of joining Liverpool.
Arsenal acquired Zubimendi for £55 million in the summer, although it’s been well documented that the deal was agreed several months in advance.
The Spaniard reportedly turned down a concrete offer from Liverpool 12 months prior to his switch to North London becoming official.
Starting excellently at the Emirates, the midfielder has now provided some insight into his decision-making process regarding the transfer.
Martin Zubimendi says Mikel Arteta is ‘crazy’ about having everything under control
Zubimendi has been outstanding for Arsenal so far.
The metronomic passer resembles Arteta at his best on the pitch for the Gunners, dictating play from the base of midfield.
Like the manager, Zubimendi was born and raised in San Sebastian in the Basque region of Spain, and it’s clear that Arteta used these similarities to resonate with the player and convince him to move to the Emirates.
Speaking to the Guardian, the 26-year-old revealed that he spoke to Arteta about the switch before the deal materialised, and that the tactician’s ‘crazy’ obsession with control appealed to him.
“I had watched Arsenal and I liked everything I saw, in terms of passion, youth, the feeling you got watching them,” Zubimendi said.
“And when Mikel Arteta called me … Well, if you’ve ever spoken to him you’ll know that he can be very convincing.
“He’s mad about football, crazy about having everything under control, trying to get something from every little detail. He’s very clear on everything, and the proposal he had was the best for me.”
Is Mikel Arteta too obsessed with control?
Arteta’s obsession with control isn’t just reflected in what he does off the pitch, but also extends to how his team plays on the pitch.
The Gunners’ success has been built on control, on ensuring every single aspect of the game is determined by them as they dominate possession and territory.
Some would argue that this has been to the coach’s detriment at times. Arteta has been criticised for being overly conservative with his team selection and tactics, and that this has inhibited his talented attacking players from expressing themselves.
However, supporters of this approach would argue that this controlled style of play has been the foundation behind Arsenal’s exceptional defensive record.
Ultimately, due to the lack of silverware he’s delivered, people will veer on the side that his control has been a hindrance. However, if this changes, then he’ll have got the balance spot on.
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