This summer, Martin Zubimendi made a €60 million move from Real Sociedad to Arsenal in the Premier League. The 26-year-old has performed exceptionally well since his arrival in London; however, it’s interesting to note that he could have joined the club years earlier.
According to CaughtOffside, former Arsenal defender Nacho Monreal disclosed that he had previously urged the club to consider signing Zubimendi during their time together at Real Sociedad.
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“Yes, I spoke with him (Arteta) and the club a long time ago. I told them: ‘You need to take a closer look at Martin Zubimendi,’ because when I arrived at Real Sociedad, Mikel Merino had already played for Newcastle and Borussia Dortmund,” Monreal stated.
“He was a good player, but Martin had come up through the academy and started from scratch. From the very beginning, you could sense something unique about him. Even at 20 or 21 years old, he played like someone with a decade of experience.”
“He had a distinct quality, and in my view, his transfer has been outstanding. The club paid a substantial fee, but he is worth it. Being still young, he is set to perform at a high level for the next six, seven, or eight years. This was a smart move for both Arsenal and Martin.”
Image credit: Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images
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Monreal on Zubimendi’s Missed Liverpool Opportunity
Monreal also discussed Zubimendi’s decision to reject a move to Liverpool in the summer of 2024, contrasting it with his current mindset.
“While we didn’t specifically talk about Arsenal, it’s true that Liverpool showed interest in him. He informed me that he wasn’t ready to leave Real Sociedad at that time. However, this year, when the Arsenal offer came, he realized it was the right moment and the ideal destination. I know Mikel reached out to him, and he is excellent at making players feel valued and understood.”