Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

Liverpool’s virtually empty summer transfer window of 2024 looks very different one year on.

The Reds had been expected to do some business in order to give Arne Slot all the tools he needed after taking over from Jurgen Klopp.

However, despite several long-winded transfer sagas, Federico Chiesa was the only player added to the Liverpool squad ahead of the new season.

Liverpool had initially tried to sign a new midfielder, with Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi revealed to be Slot’s number one target.

But with the Spanish club putting pressure on Zubimendi to stay at his boyhood club, he eventually buckled, turning down Liverpool to stay in San Sebastian for one more season.

Fast forward 12 months, and Zubimendi has finally left La Real, with Arsenal announcing his signing on Sunday.

And after agreeing to a belated move to the Premier League, the 26-year-old has outlined his reasons.

Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

At the time, Liverpool supporters were not happy with Zubimendi, with many feeling the Euro 2024 winner had gone back on his word.

But, given his absence meant Ryan Gravenberch became the best young player in the Premier League, Zubimendi’s decision to reject Liverpool ended up being a blessing in disguise.

MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES

Nevertheless, many will still be interested to hear what the midfielder had to say on why exactly he chose now as the right time to move, and why Arsenal were seen as the right club to move to.

“Once I made the decision to leave, I set my sights on Arsenal because I think their style of play is a good fit for me,” Zubimendi told Arsenal.com.

READ MORE: Diogo Jota picked his favourite goal scored for Liverpool back in 2024

“It’s a young, highly motivated and ambitious team.

Andrea [Berta] and Mikel [Arteta] took excellent care of me, leaving me with no doubts whatsoever.

“This is a huge moment in my career,” the midfielder added.

Of course, it’s a big change, but I’m ready to get started.”

In some ways, it was more by luck than design that Liverpool ended up not coming to regret their failure to land Zubimendi.

Slot clearly wanted the Spain international in his team and plenty of work had seemingly been put into getting him to Anfield.

Ultimately, Liverpool fans have no reason to wish Zubimendi had made a different choice, with Gravenberch showing he is as good as anyone in the deep-lying position.

Despite that, it is expected that Zubimendi will show his quality at Arsenal, and the Reds could yet come to have a different view on the whole sorry saga.

After months and months of speculation, at least we can now put it firmly behind us.
For more news relating to Arsenal, visit our sister site AFC Latest Live.