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How Arsenal outplayed Liverpool to secure Martin Zubimendi in a year-long transfer masterstroke
Arsenal have officially confirmed the signing of Martín Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.
Martin Zubimendi’s future has been a topic of discussion since last summer. Zubimendi had agreed to sign for Liverpool before making a surprise last-minute U-turn, deciding to stay with the Spanish side.
In January, reports emerged that Arsenal are favourites to sign Zubimendi, and in May, it was reported that Arsenal have agreed a deal with Sociedad.
While rejecting Liverpool may have appeared to be a simple change of heart from the player, a recent report has revealed how Arsenal cunningly outplayed Liverpool in a year-long pursuit to secure Zubimendi’s signature.
How Arsenal beat Liverpool to the transfer of Martin Zubimendi
According to , Arsenal made their intentions clear as early as last summer when they approached Real Sociedad with an audacious double midfield proposal.
The Gunners aimed to sign Mikel Merino immediately and secure Zubimendi for the summer of 2025, a staggered £80 million-plus package masterminded by the then sporting director Edu Gaspar and assistant sporting director Jason Ayto.
The report details that the move wasn’t just financially shrewd, it was a tactical masterclass. By avoiding the immediate activation of Zubimendi’s £50m release clause, Arsenal created flexibility around the deal’s structure.
It also gave Sociedad breathing room to plan for life without their two key midfielders, instead of losing both in a single window.
The report further details that the player himself also reconsidered his decision to join Liverpool due to the timing and stability, given that the club had a new manager in Arne Slot, freshly appointed as Jurgen Klopp’s successor, raising concerns over a potential transitional period.
Liverpool’s transition proved to be flawless
Zubimendi had concerns regarding the potential instability at Anfield during the transition from Klopp to Slot, but it proved to be rather seamless
Slot made an immediate impact, leading Liverpool to a dominant Premier League title – their 20th in history.
Zubimendi’s absence was hardly felt, as Slot transformed Ryan Gravenberch into a world-class defensive midfielder who became a cornerstone of the Reds’ success.
Liverpool lost just two games on their way to securing the Premier League title. While their performances dipped slightly towards the end, it was an expected drop-off after having already clinched the trophy.
Now, ahead of their title defence, the Reds have significantly strengthened their squad with the additions of Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez.
They also remain active in the market, with plans to bring in a new striker and another centre-back to further bolster their options for the upcoming campaign.