Zubimendi explains 'uncomfortable' Arsenal transfer decision

Tom Weber

• Updated: 2 Oct 2024 21:27 BST
• 3 min read

Martin Zubimendi has admitted that this summer's transfer speculation was very 'uncomfortable' for him.

The midfielder has been one of the standout performers in Real Sociedad's team for several years now and was part of the Spain squad that won Euro 2024 in the summer.

His performances in conjunction with his relatively affordable €60 million release clause have made him a sought-after commodity on the transfer market.

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Arsenal are long-time admirers but failed to convince him to leave his boyhood club. In the summer, Liverpool thought that they had managed to achieve what the Gunners couldn't, but Zubimendi eventually shocked everybody by also turning down the Reds' approach.

Last month, Zubimendi explained his decision thus: "For me, Real Sociedad is my life, I think I've spent half my life there. A large percentage of who I am is part of Real Sociedad, it's my life." Now, he has shed some more light on his decision.

Zubimendi on Liverpool snub

Speaking ahead of Real Sociedad's Europa League clash with Anderlecht, the 25-year-old responded to suggestions that he 'regrets' turning down Liverpool as his side have endured a pretty disappointing start to the campaign, only winning twice so far.

“Of course I don’t regret it, I can’t think that way after four or five games at the start of the season. I made my decision from within, I thought it was the best thing to do, the results don’t affect me. I see potential in this team, you just have to watch us train. I’m excited about having a good season.

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“In the end, like in every transfer window, things always come up. This summer it was my turn. These are things that happen and you have to deal with them in the best way possible.

“It is true that I was a bit uncomfortable with everything, especially the noise, but in the end, I isolated myself and made the decision that I thought was the right one.”