Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi has revealed that Mikel Arteta played a pivotal role in convincing him to sign for the club, with the Spanish manager presenting the most compelling proposition during a crucial period in the midfielder's career.

The Gunners secured Zubimendi's signature for £55million during the summer transfer window, paying above his £51million release clause to negotiate more favourable payment terms with Real Sociedad.

The 26 year old subsequently penned a five-year contract with Arsenal - merely 12 months after rejecting a switch to Liverpool.

It had initially seemed that the Spain international was destined for Anfield back in 2024 when the Reds made a bid to activate his release clause.

Yet a dramatic late U-turn saw Zubimendi withdraw from the transfer to remain with Real Sociedad. His midfield partner Mikel Merino did, however, complete a move to the Premier League that summer, joining Arsenal.

Twelve months on and the opportunity to link up with Merino in the Premier League at the Emirates Stadium proved impossible to reject, Zubimendi acknowledges.

"When any proposal comes, the first question has to be whether to stay at la Real," he told the Guardian. "And it wasn't the right moment [to go]....