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Monumental Arsenal Coup as They Beat Liverpool to Zubimendi Signing: Transfer Timeline Revealed

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In a thrilling turn of events, Arsenal have managed to secure the signing of Martin Zubimendi, edging out Liverpool in the race for the highly sought-after midfielder. According to a report from Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail, the Gunners have reached an agreement with Real Sociedad, virtually closing the deal to bring the Spanish international to the Emirates Stadium. Along with the confirmation of this deal, the timeline and details surrounding the transfer have also been disclosed, shedding light on how this monumental coup came to fruition.Martin Zubimendi, who has been an integral part of Real Sociedad for several seasons, first garnered significant attention during the summer transfer window. Liverpool, under new manager Jürgen Klopp, had identified the 25-year-old as a key target to bolster their midfield. With an eye on rebuilding the team as part of the Arne Slot era, Liverpool looked set to make Zubimendi their first major signing. The Reds were ready to activate his €60m (£51m) release clause, and personal terms had reportedly been agreed. However, at the last minute, a dramatic shift in circumstances saw the move break down.This turn of events left Zubimendi at Sociedad for the 2023/24 season, with speculation regarding his future continuing to swirl. Liverpool remained interested in the midfielder, and reports surfaced indicating that Zubimendi was also attracting attention from Manchester City, who were in search of a replacement for the injured Rodri. Despite these developments, Arsenal quietly moved in, positioning themselves as the frontrunners for his signature.According to Mokbel’s report, Arsenal have now outpaced both Liverpool and Manchester City, having reached an agreement with Sociedad for Zubimendi’s transfer. The Gunners are said to have triggered the player’s £51m release clause, which paves the way for his eventual move to north London. Sources familiar with the negotiations have revealed that the deal is now at an advanced stage, with the move expected to be finalized soon.One key factor in the timeline of the transfer is Mikel Arteta’s desire to secure Zubimendi as soon as possible. However, despite the agreement between the clubs, Sociedad’s preference was for the player to remain with them until the end of the current season. The Spanish club made it clear to Zubimendi that, while they would not stand in the way of his move, they would prefer to finalize the transfer in the summer. Respecting Sociedad’s wishes, Zubimendi has agreed to delay his Premier League move until the season’s conclusion.This decision marks a significant moment in Zubimendi’s career. When his move to Liverpool initially fell through, it was widely speculated that the midfielder was not yet ready to leave his boyhood club. Having grown up in the Basque region and progressed through the Sociedad youth ranks, Zubimendi’s loyalty to his hometown club was seen as a major factor in his decision to remain with them.Reflecting on that summer decision, Zubimendi shared his thoughts with Spanish newspaper *El Diario Vasco*, stating that the transfer saga had caught him by surprise. “I went on vacation, and it caught me by surprise. It wasn’t something I had planned. I reacted when the situation arose,” he explained. He added that it had been an uncomfortable time for him, but after weighing the pros and cons, he ultimately concluded that staying at Sociedad was the best option.Despite his decision to remain in San Sebastián, Zubimendi’s future was never truly settled, and speculation regarding a potential move to a top European club continued to follow him throughout the season. His excellent performances for Real Sociedad, including his role in Spain’s squad for the upcoming Euro 2024, kept him in the spotlight. The midfielder’s calmness, technical ability, and intelligence on the ball have made him a coveted asset for top clubs across Europe.Now, with Arsenal ready to bring him into their ranks, Zubimendi will have the opportunity to continue his development under Arteta’s guidance. The Spanish manager has been keen to add a player of Zubimendi’s quality to his midfield, recognizing the potential for him to be a key figure in the Gunners’ pursuit of domestic and European glory. Zubimendi’s ability to break up opposition attacks and distribute the ball efficiently makes him a natural fit for Arteta’s possession-based system.While the deal has not been completed yet, sources close to the situation have suggested that it is only a matter of time before Zubimendi becomes an Arsenal player. The timing of the transfer is notable, as it ensures that the midfielder will join the Premier League giants at the end of the current campaign, allowing him to maintain his focus on his duties with Real Sociedad and the Spanish national team in the meantime.For Liverpool, this represents a significant setback. After the initial failed attempt to land Zubimendi, the Reds had hoped to revisit the deal in the future. However, with Arsenal now having sealed the transfer, Liverpool’s pursuit of the player seems to have come to an end. Klopp’s side will have to turn their attention to other midfield options, as they continue their search for reinforcements to strengthen their squad.Manchester City, too, will need to look elsewhere for a long-term replacement for Rodri. Though Zubimendi was seen as a possible target, Arsenal’s proactive approach has now left Pep Guardiola’s side with fewer options. This development could prompt both clubs to adjust their transfer strategies as they look to bolster their midfields ahead of the summer.For Arsenal, this transfer is a statement of intent. Having already strengthened their squad with several high-profile signings in recent years, the acquisition of Zubimendi demonstrates their ambition to compete at the highest level. Arteta’s side is currently a top contender in the Premier League, and adding a player of Zubimendi’s caliber only enhances their chances of success in both domestic and international competitions.The signing of Zubimendi could also have a ripple effect on the broader transfer market. With top clubs like Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City vying for his signature, it highlights the increasing demand for midfielders with technical prowess and tactical intelligence. As teams look to strengthen their squads for the next phase of the season, Zubimendi’s transfer could set the tone for more significant moves in the coming months.As the deal draws closer to completion, Arsenal fans will be eager to see how Zubimendi integrates into Arteta’s system. The midfielder’s move to the Premier League is one that has been eagerly anticipated for some time, and the Gunners’ fans will hope that his arrival is the catalyst for even greater success in the seasons to come.

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