Martin Zubimendi says his move to north London was never in doubt, explaining that he “had decided to go to Arsenal and went all in” after talks with Mikel Arteta.
Martín Zubimendi has revealed why he turned down interest from Real Madrid and Liverpool to join Arsenal, saying the move “just felt right” and that he “went all in” once his mind was made up.
The 26-year-old midfielder joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad in a €70 million deal during the summer and has quickly established himself as a key part of Mikel Arteta’s side, anchoring a midfield that has powered the club to the top of the Premier League and a winning run in Europe, while conceding just three goals in 12 games across all competitions.
Speaking to AS ahead of the Champions League match against Atlético Madrid, Zubimendi said his decision was as much about personal growth as footballing ambition. “Once I decided to leave Real Sociedad, Arsenal seemed right for me, especially because of their style of play,” he said.
“I wanted a coach who pays great attention to detail, and in Mikel Arteta, as soon as I spoke with him, I found that.”
The Spaniard seemed to admit that Madrid’s interest never tempted him. “I can’t talk about other clubs. Arsenal was the one I had decided on, and I went all in for it,” he said. Asked whether he hesitated at the last moment when Real Madrid made moves, his answer was simple: “No, no.”
Zubimendi, who came through Sociedad’s academy, said he wanted to “leave the comfort zone” after so many years in San Sebastián. “It was also a personal challenge, to show myself that I could live away from home and experience a new culture personally and professionally,” he said.
He added that his transition to London had been easier thanks to the growing number of Spanish players at the club, including David Raya, Mikel Merino, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Cristhian Mosquera. “Of course it helps,” he said. “I try not to stick too close to them and to speak a bit of English, but it’s inevitable that the language helps and they’re good friends now.”
Zubimendi also credited Arteta with helping him evolve his game since arriving in England. “We’re a very mobile midfield. At the base we can play with one or two holding midfielders, and I can push higher up,” he said.
“That’s where Arteta tells me most often that I can make the difference, to play closer to the opponent’s area and be decisive there.”
Asked about comparisons between himself and Madrid’s midfield, Zubimendi was modest. “We’re talking about very big clubs,” he said. “To say that Madrid was missing a player like me is saying a lot, because they have incredible players. And the same goes for Arsenal. The one who was already here in my position, for me, is one of the best in his role.”
Zubimendi says he’s thriving in a squad full of energy and belief. “The feeling is ideal,” he said. “We’re a very compact, well-drilled team, and as we’ve seen, we don’t concede many goals. It’s good that we’ve started like this. It gives us a lot of confidence for what’s ahead.”
And despite the pressure that comes with leading the Premier League, he insists the atmosphere within the dressing room is calm. “I’m not really feeling it,” he said.
“No one here talks about obligations or having to win something. More than pressure, I see I see people with a lot of desire.”