Jamie Carragher believes Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta played a key role in luring one of Liverpool’s £60 million targets away from Anfield this summer. The player in question, Martin Zubimendi, had previously rejected a move to Liverpool, citing his commitment to the Basque region, even though he was seen as ready for a bigger challenge.
At the time, many Liverpool fans thought Zubimendi was holding out for a possible move to Real Madrid. However, when Madrid eventually came knocking this summer, the Spanish midfielder declined their offer too—only to later join Arsenal. Reports indicate the Gunners had already secured a deal for the 26-year-old earlier in the year, and Carragher is now convinced that it was Arteta’s influence that made the difference.
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Carragher claimed: “I’m now certain that Arteta stole him from us. Zubimendi had given his word to join Liverpool, but at the last minute, he pulled out and said he’d stay at Sociedad another year.” He added that Arteta, who shares Basque roots with Zubimendi, likely convinced him to hold out for a move to the Emirates instead, possibly promising a future deal while the club focused on signing Mikel Merino first.
Carragher didn’t criticize Zubimendi for the decision, instead framing it as smart man-management by Arteta: “I think Arteta just got in his ear. That’s the only reason he didn’t come to Liverpool.”
Zubimendi, who has over 200 appearances for Real Sociedad and was part of Spain’s Euro 2024-winning squad, is expected to take up a deep midfield role at Arsenal. This move should free up Kai Havertz and Declan Rice to play further forward.
He’s one of six new additions for Arsenal this season, alongside Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, Christian Norgaard, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Cristian Mosquera. With Arsenal finishing runners-up three years in a row, the 2025/26 campaign could be a make-or-break season for Arteta in his quest to finally secure a Premier League title for the Gunners.
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