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Martin Zubimendi has revealed that Mikel Arteta was exceptionally convincing in his decision to join Arsenal, with the Spanish boss delivering the most persuasive proposition during a pivotal moment in determining his career path.
Zubimendi secured his move to Arsenal through a $74 million (£55M) deal this past summer, with the north London outfit paying beyond his $68M (£51M) release clause to negotiate more favorable payment terms with Real Sociedad. The 26-year-old subsequently penned a five-year deal with the Gunners - just 12 months after turning down a move to Liverpool.
It initially appeared the Spain international would complete a switch to Anfield in 2024 as the Reds triggered Zubimendi's release clause. However, a late change of heart saw the midfielder pull out of the deal to stay with his hometown club, with Mikel Merino heading to Arsenal instead.
A year later, and the chance to reunite with Merino in the Premier League at Arsenal proved too tempting to turn down, Zubimendi admits. "When any proposal comes, the first question has to be whether to stay at la Real," he told the Guardian.
"And it wasn't the right moment [to go]. I stayed and it was a hard season but I learned a lot. I wanted to step forward, take that weight after others went."
Reflecting on his satisfaction with how events have unfolded, Zubimendi shared: "I had watched Arsenal and I liked everything I saw, in terms of passion, youth, the feeling you got watching them. And when Mikel Arteta called me...
"Well, if you've ever spoken to him you'll know that he can be very convincing. He's mad about football, crazy about having everything under control, trying to get something from every little detail. He's very clear on everything and the proposal he had was the best for me."
Zubimendi acknowledges that he needs to adapt to the Premier League, but enhancing his skills was a key factor in his decision to join the division. The Basque midfielder feels he's up to the task.
"The pivot has to be someone who is very complete; he has to have the best qualities with the ball and without it, plus the physical capability. He has to be able to do everything," he added.
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"It completes you [to move]. It would be easy to stay in my comfort zone. But I wanted to leave that environment where I was with Real Sociedad and grow in a personal sense, to see another culture, another football. The more you come out of that, the more you develop.
"It's in those situations where you are pushed to the limit that you get the best out of yourself. I think I have a lot to learn in the Premier League, a lot to improve, but I think I can do that."
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can read the original story in the Liverpool ECHO by clicking here.
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