Arteta could be humiliated as Liverpool plot bid for £52m transfer target who rejected Arsenal

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In recent seasons, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has had to get used to missing out on his top transfer targets.

Arsenal pushed hard to sign Mykhailo Mudryk, before Chelsea swooped in and hijacked a deal for the Ukrainian winger. The same thing happened when Mikel Arteta wanted Moises Caicedo, who also ended up joining the Blues, with Jorginho coming in the opposite direction.

Arsenal tried to sign Benjamin Sesko this summer, but the North London club were spurned by the Slovenian, who instead opted to remain at RB Leipzig. This has again forced Arteta to pivot, with Arsenal now eyeing up alternative strikers. 

There is a similar story to be told in the middle of the park, too. Arsenal wanted Martin Zubimendi this summer, who has a £52 million release clause in his contract with Real Sociedad. However, the Spanish midfielder turned down a switch to the Emirates Stadium, preferring to remain where he is. 

Arsenal have since turned to Mikel Merino, and are still working on a deal for the 28-year-old, who is a teammate of Zubimendi’s at Real Sociedad. However, progress towards a transfer has been slow, not least as there are those within the Arsenal hierarchy who remain unconvinced by the Euro 2024 winner. 

• READ MORE: Arsenal 24/25 confirmed signings, transfers in and out, loan exits and releases

Liverpool want Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi

According to journalist Paul Joyce, reporting on X, Liverpool are now “considering” a move for Zubimendi. 

However, the Reds will surely be aware of the reason that the 25-year-old didn’t want to join Arsenal. This suggests that the Merseyside outfit are confident that they can get a different answer from Zubimendi to the one that Arteta received.

If Liverpool are able to get a deal for Zubimendi over the line then that would represent a bitter blow to the Spanish coach. Arteta would likely not take kindly to being spurned in favour of Liverpool.

In any case, if a player does not want to join Arsenal, Arteta’s position will be that he does not want the player.

Arsenal must complete midfield transfer

Having chosen to focus on Merino, the Gunners now need to get that deal over the line as quickly as possible. The midfielder will benefit from being given all the time he can get to settle in at Arsenal, and sporting director Edu will want a chance to turn to targets in other areas of the pitch.

It is vital that Arsenal bolster their midfield contingent this summer, particularly given the departure of Emile Smith Rowe. Declan Rice needs a partner, and Thomas Partey cannot be relied upon to stay fit, whilst Jorginho can’t start games week in, week out at this stage in his career.