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Martin Zubimendi looks set to sign for Arsenal a year after rejecting a move to Liverpool(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has reportedly reached a verbal agreement to join Arsenal at the end of the season - 12 months after he rejected a move to Liverpool.

Arne Slot wanted to make Zubimendi his first signing as Reds head coach after the defensive midfielder's impressive performances during Spain's Euro 2024 triumph last summer.

But as Liverpool pressed ahead with a deal at the start of August, Zubimendi informed Richard Hughes that he had decided to stay put with his boyhood club and would not be moving to Anfield.

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The 26-year-old decided to remain with the La Liga side when it became clear he would have to make the decision to activate his £51 million release clause to leave his boyhood club.

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"I reacted when the situation arose," he said of the saga.

"It was an uncomfortable time for me, but I weighed the pros and cons and concluded that the best option was to stay."

Less than a year on from Zubimendi's dramatic U-turn, the midfielder has reportedly struck a verbal agreement to join Arsenal at the end of the season.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano claims the Spain international has agreed a long-term deal with the north Londoners, with his release clause set to be triggered soon.

Ben Jacobs, meanwhile, claims that Arsenal are "cautious" of Zubimendi's pact as he has already gone back on a move to the Premier League once before.

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The Spain international will become the Gunners' second signing from Real in as many seasons after signing Mikel Merino from the La Liga side last August.

But that didn't stop Arteta's men from falling way below Liverpool in the Premier League title race, with the Reds clinching a record-equalling 20th league title with four games to spare last month.

Liverpool, who are 15 points clear at the top of the Premier League, welcome the north Londoners to Anfield on Sunday afternoon.


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