Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher believes Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is the reason why Martin Zubimendi’s proposed move to Anfield fell through last summer.
The Spain international was expected to join Arne Slot’s side ahead of the 2024-25 campaign, with personal terms and a transfer fee agreed, but the deal collapsed at the last minute after Zubimendi chose to remain at Real Sociedad.
Meanwhile, Zubimendi enjoyed another impressive season at Real Sociedad and Arsenal soon emerged as the frontrunners to sign him, with a deal “virtually done” as early as January.
Zubimendi officially completed a €70 million transfer to the Emirates Stadium on 6 July and he is expected to feature alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard in the Gunners’ first-choice midfield trio this term.
Although Arsenal waited until this year to sign Zubimendi, the aforementioned Carragher believes Arteta was the main reason why the Spaniard rejected Liverpool last summer.
Mikel Arteta to blame for Martin Zubimendi’s failed Liverpool transfer?
“I’m convinced now that Arteta stole him from Liverpool,” Carragher admitted on the Stick to Football podcast.
“He’d agreed to come to Liverpool. He said he was coming – and at the last minute he said, ‘I don’t want to come. I’ll have another year [at Real Sociedad].’
“Arteta’s from the Basque area. There’s no doubt he’s been into him and said, ‘We’re signing [Mikel] Merino this season, we’ll come for you next season.’
“The deal was done about halfway through the season. He definitely stopped [Liverpool’s] deal. That’s why Zubimendi didn’t go to Liverpool. I think Arteta got into him.”
Zubimendi, who racked up 236 first-team appearances during his time at Real Sociedad, could make his competitive debut for Arsenal during their opening fixture of the new Premier League season against Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.
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