Arsenal now told exactly why Liverpool allowed them to sign Martin Zubimendi ahead of them

Arsenal were finally the team who landed Martin Zubimendi this summer but their run to signing the Spaniard might have been left intentionally easier thanks to Liverpool.

Arsenal paid £51m to sign Zubimendi and finally bag one of their long-term targets.

The classy Spanish midfielder will fill the void in the middle left by Thomas Partey’s departure and once again, should allow Declan Rice to venture further forward.

However, while Arsenal are delighted to have Zubimendi, it does feel like they were given a clear path to sign him in the end.

With so much interest, the Gunners seemed to be quick off the mark to get their man.

But according to journalist Ben Jacobs, that path was left easier as Liverpool ultimately decided that, in the end, they simply didn’t need Zubimendi.

Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Why Arsenal were allowed to beat Liverpool to Martin Zubimendi

We all know that the modern game sees all the big clubs interested in Europe’s biggest young talents and it was no surprise to see Liverpool in for Zubimendi along with Arsenal.

However, while the Gunners won out in the end, Ben Jacobs has told the Indie Football Podcast that it may well have been by design from the Anfield side.

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“The club is not in Szoboszlai, the clue is in they didn’t go in for a number six and didn’t put in a big budget. They’d had money for Martin Zubimendi. I’ve absolutely no doubt that if Liverpool wanted Martin Zubimendi, they could have done it, financially speaking,” Jacobs said.

“Ultimately, they’re having a window where they have a high PSR ceiling and they’re showing they can do it. Wirtz has come in, not done. Hugo Ekitike came in, they’re not done. If they felt that Zubimendi was a player they needed, they’d have gone head to head with Arsenal and there might have actually been some confidence.

“12 months ago, the player was actually close to joining Liverpool but he didn’t and I think that’s a clear indication that they feel they’ve enough options in the six.”

Arsenal looking to raid La Liga again after Zubimendi deal

With a week until the Premier League season starts, the Premier League is a hive of activity and Arsenal are among the clubs still looking for new recruits.

Indeed, the Gunners now want to sign Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, as they look to strengthen the attack.

Madrid are believed to have dropped their asking price for Rodrygo and there is a feeling that come the end of the window, he might wind up in the Premier League.

With Mikel Arteta under a touch more pressure to deliver a trophy this season, the additions of Zubimendi and potentially Rodrygo would be welcome.

If the Spaniard fails to win silverware again, though, then we could well see questions asked come next summer.

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