Martin Zubimendi set to complete Premier League transfer just six months after rejecting Liverpool
Liverpool might be six points clear of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League, while also boasting a game-in-hand over their rivals, but the Gunners look set to inflict a transfer blow on the Reds. Mikel Arteta’s side are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.
The Spain international had looked set to become Arne Slot’s first signing at Liverpool last summer after the Reds agreed to meet his £51m release clause. However, the midfielder performed an 11th hour U-turn and opted to instead stay put in San Sebastian following persuasive talks with Sociedad bosses.
Reports in recent weeks have claimed that Zubimendi now regrets his decision to stay put and was preparing to leave Real Sociedad at the end of the season.
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Also a long-standing target for Arsenal, the Daily Mail reports that the Gunners have now actually agreed a deal to sign the midfielder.
They claim that talks over a summer move are now at an advanced stage with his £51m release clause again set to be met and a deal virtually complete. And while Arsenal would like him to join the Gunners’ ranks in January, Sociedad bosses are adamant that he will finish the season with the La Liga outfit.
Sociedad have endured a mixed season to date and currently sit seventh in the table at the midway point. They are well-placed to progress to the Europa League knock-out stages, and are also through to the Copa del Rey round-of-16.
Liverpool’s need for a new midfielder has somewhat eased by the eye-catching form of Ryan Gravenberch at number six this season, with the Netherlands international making the most of his opportunity after the Reds missed out on Zubimendi. While they are not expected to revisit previous interest as a result, it will still be a blow to club bosses to see their title-rivals succeed where they were previously left disappointed.
Zubimendi - who has made 22 appearances for his boyhood club this season - recently opened up on his decision to reject Liverpool’s advances, admitting he was confident that further transfer opportunities would arise after being caught by surprise by the Reds’ interest.
“I went on vacation, and it caught me by surprise,” he told El Diario Vasco last month. “It wasn’t something I had planned.
“I reacted when the situation arose. It was an uncomfortable time for me but I weighed the pros and cons and concluded that the best option was to stay.
“I don’t believe in 'once-in-a-lifetime' opportunities. If you’re good and want to achieve something, it will come to you. There’s no need to rush.
“I looked at my personal progression, who I am, and the club’s project. I stayed because I knew this season would be important for me in the team, and I still had steps to take. It wasn’t that hard of a decision.
“There were many reasons for my decision, but I was selfish and thought about what was best for me. And that was staying.”