Arsenal have made their move for long-term target Martin Zubimendi, but the midfielder came very close to joining Liverpool back in the summer before a deal collapsed
After some near calls, it looks like Martin Zubimendi will finally be gracing the Premier League – albeit not until next season.
The sought-after Real Sociedad star, 25, has been the subject of interest from plenty of England’s big guns over the past 18 months. But it’s Arsenal who are now in pole position to snap up the midfielder with talks over a deal at an advanced stage.
Arsenal’s swoop for Zubimendi – who Sociedad are insistent will see the season out in Spain – comes just months after Liverpool thought they had lured him to Anfield.
A late change of heart would see Zubimendi eventually decide to stay put. And he insisted had no regrets when he was grilled over said decision by reporters back in October.
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Zubimendi explained: “My philosophy is to do what I feel at all times. So far, things have gone 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. There is a lot of noise because of the press but in the end everything is easier than all that.”
The Spaniard added: “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.”
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While Liverpool were keen on bringing Zubimendi to Anfield, his decision to stay put has hardly derailed Arne Slot’s side, who are six points clear of Arsenal at the Premier League summit and thriving with Ryan Gravenberch pulling the strings in a deeper position.
Manchester City also courted Zubimendi earlier this season following Rodri’s serious knee injury, while Liverpool have continued to be linked with the midfielder.
Arsenal themselves tried to sign Zubimendi over 12 months, so a breakthrough in negotiations – as first revealed by The Mail – over a deal will come as a major boost to the Gunners and Mikel Arteta.
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