Arsenal looks to be closing in on the signing of Martin Zubimendi, less than a year after he turned down a move to Liverpool.
Zubimendi was of course the subject of a dramatic transfer saga last summer, when the Real Sociedad midfielder looked to be heading to Anfield, only to decide against the move just when the deal looked to be heading for the finish line.
Liverpool – and in particular sporting director Richard Hughes – were left less than impressed by Zubimendi’s late U-turn, and they likely won’t be any happier now that he appears to be heading to one of the Reds’ biggest rivals in the Premier League.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Zubimendi has now verbally agreed to sign a long-term deal with Arsenal. Formal steps are soon to follow, with the Gunners set to trigger the player’s $68 million clause.
Assuming the deal gets over the line – which isn’t a guarantee given Zubimendi’s history – he is set to become Arsenal’s first signing of the summer transfer window.
(Image: UEFA via Getty Images)
That would see Mikel Arteta strike the first blow as he looks to close the gap to Liverpool next season. The Gunners will end another campaign trophyless after being knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain, having already missed out on the Premier League title, with Arne Slot’s side currently 15 points ahead.
Zubimendi looked set to be heading to Liverpool last summer, only to decide upon staying at Sociedad.
Reflecting on how he found out about Liverpool’s interest, Zubimendi said: “I went on vacation, and it caught me by surprise. It wasn’t something I had planned.
Learn more
“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.”
