‘Zubimendi gets it all wrong about Arne Slot’ after latest Arsenal reveal
Arsenal announced the signing of former Liverpool target Martin Zubimendi earlier this summer.
Zubimendi had looked set to join Liverpool last summer, but ultimately decided to stay in Spain.
The Spaniard joined the Gunners from Real Sociedad on a five-year contract, in a deal worth around £55million, leaving Reds supporters questioning why he didn’t come to Anfield.
Zubimendi wanted to work with a ‘quality coach’ after Sociedad
Zubimendi seemed keen to join Liverpool last summer, with Arne Slot’s side in negotiations over a final fee with Real Sociedad.
However, the midfielder seemed to have a sudden change of heart, and he has now opened up about what it was that swayed him away from Merseyside.
Speaking to The Athletic (22 July), Zubimendi opened up on what happened last summer: “It wasn’t an easy time for me because I wanted to stay at Real, but when offers come in, you start thinking about your options.
“The first question I had to answer was whether I wanted to leave Real, and it wasn’t the right time. I felt that Real offered me more opportunities and that I still had a lot to learn, so staying at Real was the best decision for me.”
The Spaniard also added that Mikel Arteta managed to convince him to join Arsenal despite turning down a move to Liverpool a year ago.
“I don’t know what he saw in me, but I saw him as one of the top coaches in Europe,” revealed the midfielder.
“At the end of the day, I wanted a quality coach when I left Real Sociedad. I think I’ve found him.”
Zubimendi’s comments will shock supporters as Slot has already shown in one season that he is a better coach than Arteta and is a winner.
The 26-year-old may already be living to regret turning down the chance to come to Merseyside, with the Reds continuing to strengthen and looking even more likely to retain the Premier League title next season.
Liverpool have the last laugh in Zubimendi saga
Liverpool won’t regret missing out on the Spaniard after Ryan Gravenberch’s fine form at Anfield.
| Games | Goals | Assists |
| 48 | 2 | 2 |
The Dutchman quickly established himself as a regular under Slot, and the Dutchman’s performances over the season have made him unmovable in midfield.
The Reds have nothing to worry about at the moment in midfield, with Wataru Endo providing important cover for the likes of Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister.
Slot has already heeded any concerns fans might have had about their squad depth by bringing in Florian Wirtz to help out their attacking midfield.
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