He’s at Arsenal and thinks Martin Zubimendi is ‘world-class’ – but he may never play with him 

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Arsenal fans were handed a surprise as it was announced that Martin Zubimendi is close to agreeing a summer transfer. 

Zubimendi rejected a move to the Premier League only a year ago, turning down Liverpool in favour of staying at Real Sociedad.

Arsenal were interested in Zubimendi at the time of Arne Slot’s admiration for the player last summer and now, it seems that Mikel Arteta will have the last laugh.

It’s been reported that Arsenal are set to sign Zubimendi in the summer, with his €60m release clause expected to be paid.

• READ MORE: Inside the life of Martin Zubimendi, everything about the Arsenal transfer target set to make £51m switch

Kieran Tierney is an admirer of Martin Zubimendi

A native of the Basque country, Arteta knows exactly what’s on offer in his homeland, with Arsenal set to complete a raid on Sociedad.

In the summer, the Gunners signed Mikel Merino, Zubimendi’s former midfield partner in San Sebastian.

While Merino is still adapting to life at Arsenal, there’s hope that Zubimendi will represent the start of a midfield restructure, with Thomas Partey and Jorginho’s contracts set to expire.

Merino knows just how good Zubimendi is however, he’s not the only Gunner to have played with the Spaniard, as Kieran Tierney spent a season on loan with the pair.

Speaking to The Guardian when reflecting on his time in Spain, Tierney shared his view of the midfielder, branding both players ‘world-class’. 

“You have world-class players like Zubimendi, Merino, Brais [Mendez]. It’s not that people don’t think they’re good; it’s just that if you’re only watching the Premier League every week, it’s hard to know.

“They’re world-class, and for so many to come from the academy is incredible.”

Zubimendi has been at Sociedad for the entirety of his career, emphasising the significance of his pending transfer to Arsenal at the conclusion of 2024/25.

Tierney may never play with Zubimendi at Arsenal 

The transfer is an almighty boost for Arsenal in what has been a trialling time for the club, weathering an injury storm.

Arteta is said to be at the forefront of Zubimendi’s transfer, with several figures within Colney already sold on the midfielder’s ability. 

Tierney is certainly one of them, however, the Scotsman might be refused the chance to reunite with his former teammate in N5. 

Tierney’s future at Arsenal is highly unlikely, with clubs already eyeing a move for the defender, including his beloved Celtic.

It would be a shame for the left-back to leave before Zubimendi touches down in London although, such scenario looks like a certainty at this moment in time.