Martin Zubimendi Arsenal transfer explained, what Mikel Arteta expects and Mikel Merino advice

Martin Zubimendi believes he has found the right coach in Mikel Arteta after swapping Real Sociedad for Arsenal. Appearing on course to head to Liverpool 12 months ago before opting to stay in San Sebastian, the Spain international was then heavily linked with a transfer to Real Madrid.

However, it was Arsenal who won the race for his signature at the start of July after completing a deal that had been in the works for many months. Arsenal had looked to sign Zubimendi with Mikel Merino in the summer of 2024, but Real Sociedad were not open to losing both players and both clubs remained in contact ahead of concluding a deal for this summer.

Amid all the links with Liverpool, Real Madrid and Arsenal, it was not the easiest of periods for Zubimendi.

"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," said Zubimendi when speaking at the launch of Arsenal's brand new adidas away kit at the NOVA Rooftop in Singapore.

"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."

So how exactly did Arteta convince Zubimendi to move to the Emirates Stadium?

"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.

"In the few days I've been here, I've seen how meticulous he is about every aspect of the game, so I think he's the one."

He added: "Like I said, Arteta is the kind of coach who expects a lot from his midfielders. I think I'm going to try to do things I didn't do before.

"Playing in that position, I'll try to bring balance and provide that passing outlet that I'm known for. Beyond that, I'm sure he'll ask me to do new things."

Zubimendi's arrival at the Emirates Stadium is certainly a statement from the club in the transfer window as they look to win things. Arsenal's plan was certainly well thought out as they wrapped up a deal for Merino last summer before manging to entice his international teammate to north London for this campaign.

"I think it was a really well orchestrated plan by the club, and everybody that was involved in it, to understand how we could get what we wanted in two different years, and both at the same time. And both players were very keen to come, which is very necessary," explained Arteta.

"I think we had a club in Real Sociedad that understood the situation, and they’ve been excellent. We did what we wanted, and the players did what we wanted, and I think Real Sociedad at the end were happy with the outcome, so I think it’s a very positive outcome for all parties."

Given the nature of the deal and the previous interest from Liverpool and Real Madrid, was the Arsenal boss ever worried that it may fall through?

"Yes, there’s always a moment — I’m not involved and probably they don’t tell me when it gets really difficult," he joked. "But when you feel that… we are convinced, first of all ourselves, and then we go to the player, the player says straight away, ‘yeah, this is exactly what I want to do’, the agent is giving you the same impression, you are more likely to get the deal over the line.

"When one of those three parts is a bit ‘uh-uh’ (unsure), these things get a bit more complicated. But from this case I was always very very positive about it."

Arsenal already have a very impressive midfield but the capture of Zubimendi can take them to new heights altogether. Arteta has made it clear that the 26-year-old will be played in the No.6 role in the middle of the park.

"Six," he immediately responded when asked if Zubimendi would play No.6 or No.8. "Really excited. And again as I said before when you have him every single day, just around the building, just in training sessions, how he captures the information, how he processes things on the pitch, it’s very impressive. So I’m very very happy to have him."

Arsenal have come close to major honours in the past couple of seasons but have been unable to get over the final hurdle. Zubimendi is hoping he can be a key factor in the team finally getting their hands on the silverware they crave.

"I hope so. The most important thing about this club is that they learn from previous seasons," said the former Real Sociedad man. "I think the lessons they've learned from how last season ended will be key to getting even closer to this year's targets."

He added: "Ultimately, I believe that football comes down to details, especially in the Champions League. I feel that Arsenal were the only team in that semi-final who truly stood up to PSG, and they let it slip because of minor details.

"I also agree with Merino that it's a long season, and injuries play an important role, so the fewer we have, the better."

Zubimendi is currently having English lessons twice a week to help him quickly adapt to life in a new country. What will also help his adaptation is having Merino as a teammate following their time together at Real Sociedad and also in the Spain squad. The midfielder went through exactly the same one year ago and now it is his turn to help Zubimendi feel right at home.

"I feel like I'm already adapted to the league, to my teammates, to the kind of football that we want to play in this club and this team," said the former Newcastle United man. "But obviously it takes time and it's not something you can do from one day to another.

"I know I don't have any advice to give him because he's an amazing player. The only thing I would say is to be patient when things are not going your way because sometimes you need time to adapt.

"You get to know your teammates but I know he's going to adapt perfectly because he's really smart. The group we have around is always helping the new guys. I felt the love and the help of everyone. Now I'm trying to help him and all the new guys but I think he's going to be ready."

He added: "I think outside the pitch is a big step as well. You change countries, you change cultures. The rhythm of life is very different in our old city than here in London, in a massive city.

"I think we're going to be living pretty close to one another. And obviously having known each other for seven or eight years, we're going to be doing some plans together. I'm going to try to help him get to know the right places to go, get to know the right people to meet and I'll try to be helpful."

So how close will they be living to one another?

"Not in the same house, I'll tell you that," joked Merino. "I don't know, I think we're going to be around. I don't know exactly how far away. But I think the both of us have the same mentality of being close to the training ground so we can spend more time there and not waste too much time in the car driving because traffic in London is crazy. It's about football first and then life."

Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino were speaking at adidas's launch of Arsenal's 2025/26 away shirt. To buy, visit: https://arsenaldirect.arsenal.com/shopbyplayer/MARTIN-ZUBIMENDI