Arsenal F.C. has emerged victorious in the battle to sign highly-rated midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, according to reports from the Daily Mail’s Sami Mokbel. This monumental deal comes as the Gunners beat out fierce competition from Premier League rivals Liverpool, who had their sights set on the Spanish international last summer.

Liverpool attempted to acquire Zubimendi, having activated his £51 million (€60 million) release clause and reportedly agreed upon personal terms. However, at the last minute, the transfer collapsed, leaving Zubimendi to continue his career at his hometown club for another season.

As the transfer window approached, speculation surrounding Zubimendi's future reignited. Rumors circulated that both Liverpool and Manchester City were tracking the 25-year-old midfielder again, especially as City sought a replacement for Rodri, who is sidelined with a serious injury.

However, Arsenal has tooted its horn by pulling ahead of both clubs, successfully agreeing to terms with Zubimendi. Mokbel states that negotiations are at an advanced stage and the Gunners plan to trigger his exit clause, with sources indicating that the deal is nearly finalized.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta had prioritized signing Zubimendi, but he faced resistance from Sociedad, who would prefer the move to occur at the end of the season. As a result, Zubimendi has agreed to see out the current campaign with Sociedad, honoring the club's wishes while still preparing for his future.

Both transfer analysts, Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein, corroborated the news of Arsenal’s agreement to secure Zubimendi for the upcoming summer transfer window. Romano highlighted positive discussions taking place behind the scenes, while Ornstein confirmed Arsenal’s determination to land the player after a sustained period of interest.

This move not only positions Arsenal to bolster their midfield for the next season but also brings closure to an ongoing transfer saga that placed Zubimendi in the spotlight. The midfielder had expressed regret about not moving to Liverpool last summer, reflecting on the intensely emotional nature of the decision.

"I'm not one for believing in 'one-time opportunities.' I know that if you have talent and ambition, chances will arise," Zubimendi explained. His decision to stay at Sociedad was influenced by his desire for personal development and the club's projection for his career.

Arteta has not publicly commented on the approaching transfer, but did express optimism about strengthening his squad following a disappointing exit from the FA Cup. "We are actively looking in the market to improve the squad. It has been our goal since day one, and we will continue to explore opportunities," he stated.

With Arsenal's focus now shifting toward securing a new striker after Gabriel Jesus's severe ACL injury, the club's ambitious plans seem to be taking shape. The Gunners had previously seen an initial offer for Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic fall through, but reports suggest they could revisit pursuing Viktor Gyökeres as well.

As Arsenal navigates this chaotic January transfer market, fans eagerly await further developments, knowing this could impact their title ambitions and overall performance in the Premier League. The thrilling pursuit for Zubimendi speaks volumes about Arsenal's intent to reclaim their position among England's elite clubs. Keep your eyes peeled for future updates on this explosive transfer saga!