Arsenal was arguably the first Premier League club to track Martin Zubimendi, but they might miss out on signing him as they focus on a move for Mikel Merino.
For several seasons, Zubimendi has been the lynchpin of Real Sociedad’s midfield and was also part of the Spain squad that won Euro 2024.
At the end of the competition, Arsenal developed a strong interest in his teammate, Merino, while still maintaining an interest in Zubimendi.
In the weeks following Euro 2024, Merino has emerged as the more likely of the two midfielders to move to Arsenal.
According to a report in The Athletic, Liverpool is now stepping up its interest in Zubimendi.
The Reds have had a relatively quiet summer transfer window as manager Arne Slot evaluates his current squad before making additional signings.
However, with just over a week left before the new season begins, the report claims Liverpool is closing in on a move for Zubimendi while Arsenal focuses on other targets.
The midfielder has a £51 million release clause, and Liverpool might be willing to pay that sum to add him to their squad.
Just Arsenal Opinion
Zubimendi is one of the finest midfielders in Europe, but Merino is also a fantastic choice and will cost us less money.
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Zunimendi …born in San Sebastián, been at Sociedad for 13 years, since he was 12. Basque thru & thru. Regardless of his release clause, he won’t be moving anywhere unless he wants the move & who would want to move from San Sebastián to Liverpool (or London for that matter).
If Arteta genuinely wants him but he prefers Liverpool, good luck to him & them. Seems like a great team spirit at Arsenal, no point signing anyone if it’s not their first choice destination.
I agree. It was my understanding months ago that he simply did not want to come to the Arsenal. Otherwise, I believe that the release clause or something close to it would have been triggered and he would be in the squad now. I believe that Edu and MA only want great players who can also be team players and who are going to be happy at the Arsenal.
Would be really disappointed if he ends up joining Liverpool. Was under the impression that he just didn’t want to leave Sociedad. Is my preferred option after Frenkie for the 6 position. If he is open to leaving, really hope we can persuade him to join us
With Partey looking ever likely to stay, I don’t see Arsenal going for another no. 6. That’s why they shifted attention to Merino who plays the no.8 beside Zubimendi at Sociedad.
So Zubimendi is free to go to Liverpool for all I care . I just want the Merino deal done already
This would be a feather in the cap for Liverpool how they persuaded him to join and we couldn’t budge him I’ll never know the only thing I can think of is his club needs money so he’ll go now but we changed our mind on the player grasping here
This is why the news is so surprising because the entire time it’s been said he wants to stay in Spain. So genuinely curious why would he pick Liverpool over Arsenal? When we have a Spanish manager, better results the last two years, and have been interested in him for a long time.
Though I guess each person has their own preferences.