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Transfers
Mikel Arteta already suggested what he thinks of Martin Zubimendi interview in 2020, Arsenal boss made a telling comment
Martin Zubimendi sent some Arsenal fans into meltdown on Tuesday after sharing a revealing interview.
Arsenal supporters were furious as the Spain international admitted he is unsure what the future holds for him this summer, opening the door to potentially staying at Real Sociedad.
The 26-year-old told Radiogaceta de los Deportes: “Of course there are options, but it’s true that it seems like it’s going to be a different, long summer, and I don’t know how it will end. Many times I wake up in the morning and read things that I didn’t know I had done.
“That (talk of a medical) was a clear example.”
That is despite the fact many – including the reliable Fabrizio Romano – claimed that Arsenal had already signed Zubimendi, triggering his €60m (£50m) release clause and scheduling a medical.
🚨 Arsenal agree deal to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, here we go! ❤️🤍
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano)
Zubimendi has now verbally agreed to sign a long term deal… so formal steps must follow soon with Arsenal to trigger €60m clause.
Zubi, ready to become the first signing of the new season.
Therefore, you can understand the confusion from Arsenal fans.
After Martin Zubimendi made his comments, a remark from Mikel Arteta from back in May 2020 now looks very interesting.
2020 interview suggests Mikel Arteta will not be happy with Martin Zubimendi
The Real Sociedad No.4 sounds like he needs some convincing about a move to Arsenal based on his latest comments, something which could push Arteta to look elsewhere.
Back in May 2020, the 43-year-old sternly said it is “not a good starting point” if he ever has to convince a transfer target to join Arsenal, suggesting they should want to jump at the chance to join.
THREAD 👇: asked to speak to a manager this week, so he got two: 's Mikel Arteta and 's Joe Montemurro.
— adidas UK (@adidasUK)
Part one of this week's I’m Going To Call You: edition is with the boss, Mikel Arteta… 🤳 (1/3)
Speaking to Ian Wright for Adidas, Arteta explained: “The moment we mention Arsenal, Ian, you know what it means around the world. Everybody wants to come here and we have a really clear idea of what we are.
“It doesn’t need much convincing and if they do, for me it’s not a good starting point. If I have to convince a player to stay or to join us. It holds me back a little bit.
“It has to be… I want to play for that club and represent exactly the values (and) the style of play that I want. That’s the kind of emotion I want to hear at the start.”
Mikel Arteta has to be realistic
We understand the point Arteta made in 2020, but in this instance, Arsenal are not exactly the most attractive option on the table.
Martín Zubimendi's first Spain goal 🇪🇸
— UEFA EURO (@UEFAEURO)
Real Madrid also want Zubimendi, and now have a manager in Xabi Alonso who coached the Spaniard in the youth team at Real Sociedad, potentially giving Los Blancos the upper hand over Arsenal.
Furthermore, having only reached one final since replacing Unai Emery in December 2019, Arteta can surely understand why the man from San Sebastian is considering all options before making a decision.