Arsenal are long-term admirers of Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi, but he could now be on the move to a Premier League rival.
The Spain International has been admired by Mikel Arteta for a long time, and Arsenal were reportedly interested in a move in recent transfer windows.
However, it was believed that Zubimendi simply did not want to leave Real Sociedad, his boyhood club, and Arsenal then moved on as they are now close to a deal to sign his teammate Mikel Merino.
Arteta and Arsenal have now been shocked, as it appears that Liverpool are closing in on a deal for Zubimendi, with the Spaniard now seemingly open to a move.
Zubimendi turned Arsenal down before, but with the 25-year-old open to a move to England, Arteta’s stance over the midfielder has now emerged.
Arsenal did not make official offer to Real Sociedad for Martin Zubimendi this summer
Fabrizio Romano has now revealed in his Daily Briefing that despite their admiration for and previous talks with Zubimendi, Arsenal did not try to negotiate a deal for him this summer.
“Liverpool are now working on the player side, because many clubs tried to convince Zubimendi in the last couple of years – Barca, Bayern, Arsenal, many clubs spoke to the player, he wasn’t keen on the move, but now Liverpool are going very big. They are using the ability of their directors to convince the player, present the contract proposal, and find a way to get the deal done,” he revealed.
“Contacts are ongoing with both player and club. Liverpool want Zubimendi and they are confident, optimistic to make it happen while there are still steps to follow on this story to get it done. It’s important also to clarify that Arsenal were never negotiating for Zubimendi this summer, while I’ve never heard anything concrete about Man United so far.”
Arsenal could not convince Zubimendi to leave Real Sociedad
If Arsenal believed that they could convince Zubimendi to leave Real Sociedad this summer, it is likely that an offer would have gone in before.
Arsenal now appear committed to Merino, who turned down interest from Atletico Madrid and Barcelona to push for a move to the Emirates.
Despite his admiration for the player, it appears that in previous windows, Arsenal could not convince Zubimendi to make the move, so if Liverpool do succeed, it will come as a big surprise.
Arteta’s transfer policy has been to sign players who are completely committed to the move to play for Arsenal, and unlike Merino, Zubimendi did not give the indication that he was entirely convinced or eager to move to the Emirates.
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