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Arsenal make shock Martin Zubimendi decision as Mikel Arteta hijacks dream Liverpool transfer

Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad reacts during the LaLiga match between Real Sociedad and FC Barcelona at Reale Arena on November 10, 2024
-Credit:Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images


Arsenal have dealt Liverpool a major blow to their hopes of signing Martin Zubimendi. The 25-year-old midfielder was heavily linked with a move to the Premier League in the summer following his impressive performances for Spain at Euro 2024, but he decided to stay at Real Sociedad.

football.london understands that the Gunners have been long admirers of Zubimendi, who has a release clause worth €60million (£52.3million) in his contract. It's believed that Arsenal have been tracking the playmaker for over a year, with interest dating back to the summer of 2023.

Mikel Arteta is known to be a big admirer of the Spain international who has garnered interest from many of Europe's biggest clubs. While there are certainly other areas the Gunners are keen to do business, this is a long term decision that will benefit the club in the broader context.

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With Jorginho and Thomas Partey set to leave once their deals expire in June, the North Londoners appear to have accelerated their pursuit of Zubimendi. According to the MailOnline, Arsenal will sign the Spaniard in the summer.

The report states that the Gunners want to bring Zubimendi to the Emirates Stadium this month, but Real Sociedad have insisted that he stay until the end of the season. It's said that the player attracted interest from Manchester City after Rodri suffered a season-ending knee injury.

Liverpool moved to sign Zubimendi in the summer, but a deal collapsed late into the transfer window, leaving Arne Slot empty handed. When quizzed on his decision to stay at his boyhood club in August, he told the Spanish press: "I didn't have any pressure from my close circle.

"My friends are clear that whatever I decide, it will be the best. There is no pressure at all. Real Sociedad for me is my life, I think I've been in there for half my life. A lot of what I am is part of Real, it's my life."

In October, Zubimendi insisted that he doesn't regret snubbing Liverpool. He told Noticias De Gipuzkoa: "My philosophy is to do at home at all times what comes from within. So far it has worked out well for me. It is true that there was a lot of noise.

"I went through uncomfortable moments. The best thing for me was to stay here and I am happy and at peace. Because of the press there is a lot of noise but in the end everything is easier than all that. Of course I don't regret it, I can't think that after four or five games at the start of the season.

"I made my decision from within, I thought it was the best thing to do, the results don't affect me . I see potential in this team, you just have to watch us train and I'm excited about having a good season."

Then, during the November international break, Zubimendi claimed that he's still happy at Real Sociedad. As quoted by Estadio Desportivo, he said: "There will always be rumours and there is again now that the month of January is approaching, but I don’t waste energy on the noise outside. I’m happy with how I’m handling it and I’m going to take it."