MARTIN ZUBIMENDI has lifted the lid on the phone conversation with Mikel Arteta that convinced him to sign for Arsenal.
The Gunners sealed a £51million swoop for Zubimendi during the summer.
Convincing the highly-rated midfielder to leave Real Sociedad was no mean feat – with Zubimendi having snubbed Liverpool 12 months earlier.
The 26-year-old has made a fine start to life in London, helping Arsenal top the table after seven matches.
Speaking to The Guardian about his offer from Liverpool, and subsequent move to Arsenal, Zubimendi said: “When any proposal comes, the first question has to be whether to stay at la Real, and it wasn’t the right moment.
“I stayed and it was a hard season but I learned a lot. I wanted to step forward, take that weight after others went.”
On choosing the Gunners, Zubimendi added: “I had watched Arsenal and I liked everything I saw, in terms of passion, youth, the feeling you got watching them. And when Mikel Arteta called me…
“Well, if you’ve ever spoken to him you’ll know that he can be very convincing.
“He’s mad about football, crazy about having everything under control, trying to get something from every little detail.
“He’s very clear on everything and the proposal he had was the best for me.”
Zubimendi has so far played nine times for the Gunners, and has only tasted defeat once.
The Spain international particularly caught the eye against Nottingham Forest, scoring twice in a 3-0 win.
Zubimendi has been on international duty this week, playing 81 minutes as his country defeated Georgia 2-0 on Saturday.
Arsenal return to action this Saturday with a short trip to Fulham.
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