Former England defender, Jamie Carragher, has accused Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta of “stealing” Martin Zubimendi from Liverpool.
Zubimendi was heavily linked with a transfer to the Reds last summer, but ended up staying at Real Sociedad for another season.
However, this year, the Spain midfielder opted to sign for the Gunners.
Carragher has now claimed that Arteta used his Basque roots to his advantage in the chase to land Zubimendi.
Speaking on Stick to Football, he said: “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 Sociedad.’
“Mikel Arteta’s from the Basque area. There’s no doubt he’s been into him and said, ‘We’re signing Merino this season, Arsenal will come for you next season’.”