Monreal’s Endorsement: Why Zubimendi Was the Perfect Signing for Arsenal
Former Arsenal defender Nacho Monreal has spoken out about the club’s decision to sign Martin Zubimendi, revealing that he had been advocating for the move long before it materialized. Monreal confirmed that he had conversations with both Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal hierarchy, urging them to consider the talented Spanish midfielder. His insight, he explained, was based on Zubimendi’s quality, potential, and the kind of player Arsenal had been missing.
Monreal emphasized that although Arsenal invested heavily in Zubimendi, the transfer fee was fully justified. He praised the young midfielder for his talent and maturity, noting that Zubimendi is not only ready to compete at the highest level now but is also likely to remain a top performer for the club for many years to come. “He’s still young, and he’s going to stay at his top level for the next six, seven, eight years,” Monreal said, highlighting the long-term value of the signing.
The former Gunners defender also shared insights into his personal interactions with Zubimendi. While they didn’t explicitly discuss Arsenal at the time, Monreal revealed that the midfielder was previously hesitant to leave Real Sociedad, even when Liverpool expressed interest. However, this year, when Arsenal approached him, Zubimendi recognized it as the right moment to make the move. According to Monreal, the timing and environment at Arsenal were ideal for the young Spaniard’s growth.
Monreal credited Mikel Arteta’s influence in persuading Zubimendi to join Arsenal. He described Arteta as a highly intelligent and persuasive communicator who knows exactly what to say to motivate players. Monreal suggested that Arteta’s approach played a key role in convincing Zubimendi that Arsenal was the perfect next step for his career.
Finally, Monreal concluded by noting the strategic importance of Zubimendi for Arsenal. The club had been in need of a midfielder with his specific skill set, and the addition of Zubimendi not only strengthens the squad immediately but also secures a long-term asset for the team. For both the player and the club, Monreal believes this was a move that made perfect sense, and one that could define Arsenal’s midfield for years to come.
