Arsenal & Mikel Arteta accused of 'stealing' £51m Martin Zubimendi from Liverpool by Reds legend Jamie Carragher

Liverpool’s interest in Zubimendi dates back to last summer, when the club were crying out for midfield reinforcements. Reports suggested the Spain international had shaken hands on a move to Anfield before deciding to stay another year at Real Sociedad. He went on to help his boyhood club reach the Copa del Rey semi-finals and progress to the Europa League round of 16.

But according to Carragher, Zubimendi's hesitation had less to do with loyalty and far more with Arteta’s cunning plan. Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Carragher said: "I’m convinced now that Mikel Arteta definitely stole him from Liverpool. He had agreed to come to Liverpool. He said he was coming – and 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. There’s no doubt he’s been into him and said 'We’re signing [Mikel] Merino this season, we’ll come for you next season'."

If Carragher’s words weren’t damning enough for Liverpool fans, Zubimendi himself had admitted in an interview with The Athletic that Arteta’s reputation and attention to detail sealed the deal.

"I don’t know what he (Arteta) saw in me, but I saw him as one of the top coaches in Europe," Zubimendi said. "I wanted a quality coach when I left Real Sociedad. I think I’ve found him. In the few days I’ve been here, I’ve seen how meticulous he is about every aspect of the game, so I think he’s the one."

The Gunners’ opening Premier League fixture comes against bitter rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford, a stage fitting for Zubimendi to show exactly why Arteta moved mountains to secure him. With Arsenal expected to challenge again for the title, the former La Real star is seen as a cornerstone of Arteta’s midfield rebuild.