Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has praised teammate Martin Zubimendi as an “incredible” signing, suggesting Liverpool missed out on a transformative player when the Spanish midfielder opted to join the Gunners instead of Anfield. Zubimendi, who arrived from Real Sociedad in a £60 million deal this summer, has quickly become a standout performer in Mikel Arteta’s evolving squad.
🔁 From Anfield to Emirates: The Transfer That Got Away
Zubimendi was reportedly close to joining Liverpool last summer but chose to remain at Sociedad for another season. Arsenal swooped in this July, making him Arteta’s second signing of the window. According to Raya, who has shared a dressing room with Zubimendi in the Spanish national team, the midfielder has exceeded expectations since arriving in north London.
“He’s incredible,” Raya said. “I’ve shared the dressing room with the national team and now he’s here he’s even surprised me even more. He’s so intelligent. He knows how to play for the team, he doesn’t play for himself. His positioning in defence and attack is incredible. It’s a credit to have him”.
⚽ Zubimendi’s Impact: From Illness to Inspiration
Despite battling illness during his Premier League debut against Manchester United, Zubimendi has quickly found his rhythm. He impressed in Arsenal’s 5–0 demolition of Leeds United and starred in the 3–0 win over Nottingham Forest, scoring twice and earning Player of the Match honors. His performances have helped Arsenal climb back to second in the Premier League table.
🎙️ Carragher: “Arteta Stole Him”
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher added fuel to the narrative, claiming on the Stick to Football podcast that Arteta “stole” Zubimendi from Liverpool’s grasp.
“He had agreed to come to Liverpool,” Carragher said. “At the last minute he said, ‘I don’t want to come. I’ll have another year [at Sociedad].’ Mikel Arteta’s from the Basque area… I think Arteta got into him”.
Carragher suggested that Arteta’s personal connection and long-term planning played a key role in convincing Zubimendi to join Arsenal instead.
🔮 Arsenal’s Midfield Evolution
With Zubimendi anchoring the midfield alongside fellow summer arrivals like Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyökeres, Arsenal’s squad looks deeper and more dynamic than ever. His tactical intelligence, composure, and ability to dictate tempo have added a new layer to Arteta’s system — one that Liverpool may now regret missing out on.
As the season unfolds, Zubimendi’s decision to choose Arsenal over Liverpool could prove pivotal in the Premier League title race. And for Raya, his teammate’s brilliance is no longer just a national team memory — it’s a weekly reality at the Emirates.