Former Arsenal favourite Nacho Monreal has revealed his crucial behind-the-scenes role in orchestrating Martin Zubimendi's £55million transfer to the Emirates Stadium, providing Mikel Arteta with the inside track on the Spanish midfielder years before his eventual move.
The Inside Recommendation
Monreal, who won three FA Cups during his six-year spell with Arsenal, shared the Real Sociedad dressing room with Zubimendi and immediately recognised his exceptional qualities. The former left-back took it upon himself to contact his old teammate Arteta and directly recommend the Gunners make their move for the technically gifted maestro.
"Yes, I spoke with him [Arteta] and with the club in general a long time ago," Monreal disclosed in an exclusive interview with BetMGM. "I said to them: 'You need to look at Martin Zubimendi.'"
The Spanish defender, now working as a football agent for Global Ases, spent three seasons alongside Zubimendi in the Basque Country before retiring in 2022. He witnessed firsthand the 26-year-old's rapid development from academy graduate to established first-team star.
Spotting Special Talent Early
Monreal highlighted how Zubimendi stood out even alongside more experienced teammates like Mikel Merino, who had previously featured for Newcastle and Borussia Dortmund. While Merino arrived with pedigree, Zubimendi emerged from Real Sociedad's youth system and immediately demonstrated remarkable maturity.
"Even from the beginning and from the first moment, you could see something different, you know, something special," Monreal explained. "You see this guy, he's 20 or 21 years old and he performs like he was already playing for 10 years."
This early assessment proved accurate, with Zubimendi adapting seamlessly to Premier League football since his summer transfer. The Euro 2024 winner has become an integral part of Arsenal's midfield, justifying both Monreal's recommendation and the substantial transfer fee.
Arteta's Persuasive Power
Interestingly, Monreal revealed he didn't need to sell the Arsenal project to Zubimendi personally, despite their close relationship. The former defender acknowledged that Liverpool had previously shown interest, but Zubimendi felt unprepared to leave Real Sociedad at that time.
However, when Arsenal came calling this year, the timing proved perfect. Monreal credited Arteta's personal touch as decisive, noting: "I know Mikel called him and Mikel is really, really good when he calls a player. He tells the player exactly what they want to hear. He's very, very clever."
The former Arsenal left-back also expressed particular satisfaction at seeing three Spanish internationals - Zubimendi, Merino, and goalkeeper David Raya - playing pivotal roles in Arsenal's Premier League title challenge this season.
Reflecting on the successful transfer, Monreal concluded: "Yes they paid a lot for him but he deserved it. He's still young and he's going to stay for the next six, seven, eight years, at his top level. It was a good move for Arsenal, and for Martin, of course."
