Jamie Carragher has said that Martin Zubimendi had agreed to join Liverpool, before Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta “stole him”. Zubimendi was heavily linked with a move to Liverpool last summer, but the Spain international opted to stay one more season at Real Sociedad, helping them reach the Copa del Rey semi-final and the Europa League round of 16.

Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Carragher claimed: “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 Real Sociedad]’.”

The Premier League season is right around the corner, with the action kicking off on Friday. Reigning champions Liverpool will host a Bournemouth side that will break in a new defense under Andoni Iraola.

Last summer, Zubimendi turned down the opportunity to join Liverpool, choosing to stay with his boyhood club Sociedad. However, when Arsenal approached him, he didn't hesitate to sign on the dotted line at the Emirates.

Liverpool claimed a 4-2 win over Bournemouth in the opening game of the 2025-26 Premier League season. Here are highlights and commentary.

Jamie Carragher has made a surprising claim against Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, insisting the Spaniard "definitely stole" Martin Zubimendi away from Liverpool. The ex-Real Sociedad midfielder, who had been on the Reds’ radar for over a year,

T he Premier League is back, the 2025-26 iteration one with the potential to deliver more drama, tension and shocks than many in recent memories. Champions Liverpool might start the season as favorites,

“But when you see Liverpool play, I said you cannot take 10 points in front. When I see Arsenal play, we cannot take 16 points in front. Because they are really good.