Mikel Arteta accused of causing Liverpool transfer break down – 'He'd agreed to come'

Jamie Carragher reckons Mikel Arteta swooped in and stole Martin Zubimendi from under Liverpool's noses. The Spaniard, who arrived at Arsenal this summer, was extremely close to joining the Merseyside club last year.

At the time, Liverpool had negotiated a £51million agreement with Real Sociedad and settled personal terms. Everything appeared finalised – until the midfielder unexpectedly walked away from the deal at the eleventh hour.

Publicly, Zubimendi explained his choice as a show of loyalty to his hometown club. But Carragher isn't so sure.

The ex-England international suspects Arteta discreetly persuaded him to reject Liverpool's advances and wait for a move to the Emirates Stadium. "I'm convinced now that Arteta stole him from Liverpool," Carragher said 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 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."

Arteta grew up in San Sebastian, home of Real Sociedad, and enjoyed a short stint there after leaving Rangers in 2004 before moving to Everton just half a year later. Fast-forward to late 2024 and he was reportedly back in contact with his former club to secure a £55m swoop for Zubimendi.

The signing was confirmed in July. Now, Zubimendi is set to partner Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard in what's shaping up to be one of strongest midfields in the league. For Liverpool, failing to bring in Zubimendi was the biggest disappointment in a relatively quiet summer market 12 months ago.

Federico Chiesa was their sole marquee arrival, and he struggled for consistent game time. Nonetheless, Arne Slot's squad powered to the Premier League title, ending the season 10 points clear of second-placed Arsenal and clinching Liverpool's 20th top-flight crown.

This season, Arsenal will hope their new recruit – as well as other high-profile arrivals like Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke – will help overturn that margin.

But Liverpool's £300m recruitment spree – featuring a British transfer record deal for Florian Wirtz, while a move for Alexander Isak is still in the balance – makes the task look like a tall order.

That said, Liverpool's season got off to a disappointing start after they were beaten by Crystal Palace in the Community Shield on Sunday. After a 2-2 draw, the match went to penalties, where Palace emerged 3-2 victors.

Arsenal, meanwhile, kick off their Premier League campaign with a tough away trip against Manchester United on Sunday. Zubimendi and Gyokeres are expected to make their official debuts, with Gunners fans hoping they can outshine United's new attacking trio: Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.

Story Saved

You can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.