Jamie Carragher Blames Mikel Arteta for Liverpool Transfer Heartache

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·17. August 2025

Jamie Carragher Blames Mikel Arteta for Liverpool Transfer Heartache

A former Premier League and Liverpool legend is convinced that Mikel Arteta is to blame for Liverpool’s failed attempt to sign Martin Zubimendi last summer. The Gunners initially agreed to bring the Spaniard to north London in January following an agreement in principle. The 26-year-old was finally unveiled in July despite concerns over a potential collapse, and he is quickly becoming a fan favourite. His performances have caught the eye during pre-season, with many left in awe of his all-round ability in midfield. While Arsenal fans are revelling in their new signing, things could have been very different.

Martin Zubimendi was all set to move to Liverpool last campaign, with a deal in its final stages, only for the player to snub their advances to stay at Real Sociedad for one more year. Arsenal then laid the groundwork for a move a few months later in January.

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Carragher claims Arteta intervened

Former Liverpool player Jamie Carragher is convinced that Mikel Arteta was to blame for their heartache, citing their Basque connection as a reason why the midfielder listened to the Arsenal boss.

“I’m convinced now that Arteta stole him from Liverpool,” Carragher told the Overlap’s Stick to Football podcast. “He’d 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].’

“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.’

“The deal was done about halfway through the season. He definitely stopped Liverpool’s deal. That’s why Zubimendi didn’t go to Liverpool. I think Arteta got into him.”

Martin Zubimendi (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images)

Arteta’s Basque ties

Mikel Arteta was born in San Sebastian, the home of Real Sociedad, and he even played briefly for the club in the early stages of his career. His intervention proved telling as the Gunners have finally gotten their man, while the Reds would have been disappointed last summer. That said, it did not derail their campaign, as we all know what happened last season.

Martin Zubimendi and Arsenal will now look to finally bring a major trophy home this season. Following a significant summer spending spree, fans are expectant.

What do you think Gooners, did Arteta’s Basque ties give Arsenal the edge over Liverpool in this transfer battle?

Benjamin Kenneth

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