Martin Zubimendi admits Liverpool transfer 'doubts' but Arne Slot has last laugh over Arsenal

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The Spaniard opened the scoring for the Gunners against Nottingham Forest with a scorching volley to open his account for the club after signing from Real Sociedad in the summer, before making it 3-0 late on.

The Reds surrendered top spot in the Premier League table, temporarily at least, to Arsenal as a result, with Arne Slot’s men not in action until Sunday afternoon when they travel to Burnley.

Mikel Arteta’s side had lost 1-0 to Liverpool last time out, with the Reds climbing to first with an 100% winning record heading into the international break.



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Win at Turf Moor and they will be guaranteed to finish the weekend top of the table regardless of any other results.

While Zubimendi might have helped extinguish memories of their loss to Liverpool against Forest, Reds supporters will have afforded themselves a wry smile at getting the better of both the Gunners and the Spaniard last time out.

Liverpool had, of course, agreed a deal to sign the Spain international last summer from Sociedad after activating his release clause, only to see him decide against making the move at the 11th hour.

The Reds had no regrets in the long run, going on to win last season’s Premier League with Ryan Gravenberch instead shining at number six as he emerged as one of the stars of the season.

Slot would reference this himself ahead of facing Arsenal last month as he shared his admiration for both Zubimendi and Gravenberch.

“What we liked about him was how good he is on the ball, and how much game insight he has,” Slot said.

But we found all of these things definitely also in Ryan.”

Zubimendi would insist he has no regrets too, despite missing out on a Premier League title, with the 26-year-old defending his decision on more than one occasion.

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But each to their own.

While Zubimendi might have had his doubts about joining the Reds, it has very much been a different story this summer in what has been a record-breaking transfer window for Liverpool.

The Reds committed to spending nearly £450m as they brought in Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Giovanni Leoni, Armin Pecsi, Will Wright and Freddie Woodman.

They also agreed a £35m deal with Crystal Palace for Marc Guehi on deadline day, only for the Eagles to pull the plug after failing to sign a replacement.

And Liverpool had the last laugh over Arsenal and some of their other rivals on more than one occasion too, as their summer signings made it clear that the Reds were the only side they wanted to join.

The Gunners had been interested in Isak, but instead moved for Viktor Gyokeres when it became clear his fellow Swede was holding out for Liverpool.

Meanwhile, City were also said to be interested in Kerkez, but his mind was also made up with Liverpool his destination of choice.

Zubimendi set tongues wagging across the Premier League with his stunning first goal for Arsenal against Forest, offering a reminder of his rejection of the Reds to supporters in the process.

It is not the first time and will not be the last.

But the shoe was very much on the other foot this summer, at least, as the Premier League champions strengthened considerably.

Zubimendi might not have wanted to be part of Slot’s Liverpool, but that could not have been further from the truth for Isak, Wirtz, Ekitike and co.

And with the Reds and their summer signings having already gotten the better of Arsenal and Zubimendi once this season, they will be hoping it is a case of the same story again come May.

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